NORTHERN IRELAND

Departmental Internet

Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much  (a) his Department and  (b) its agencies and non-departmental public bodies spent on website design in each year since 1997.

Owen Paterson: Comparable figures for the Northern Ireland Office (NIO) as it is now configured, following the completion of devolution on 12 April, are not available:
	 (a) Since 12 April 2010 the Northern Ireland Office has spent £562.50 (exclusive of VAT) on web design;
	 (b) The NIO has no agencies. It has one non-departmental public body which incurred no expenditure in this area.

Police Service of Northern Ireland: Recruitment

Paul Goggins: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he expects the proportion of Catholic police officers within the Police Service of Northern Ireland to reach 30 per cent.

Owen Paterson: Catholic composition of the PSNI regulars currently stands at 29.15%. I will be discussing the impact of the Chief Constable's decision to impose a recruitment freeze with the Justice Minister after the summer.

Trade Unions

Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many paid manpower hours civil servants in his Department spent on trade union-related duties and activities in each year since 1997.

Owen Paterson: Civil servants in the Department have spent approximately 73.5 hours on trade union-related activities since 12 April 2010. Comparable figures for the department as it is now configured, following the completion of devolution on 12 April, are not available for the preceding period.

Trade Unions

Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many civil servants in his Department spent the equivalent of  (a) five days or fewer,  (b) five to 10 days,  (c) 10 to 15 days,  (d) 15 to 20 days,  (e) 20 to 25 days and  (f) 25 days or more on trade union-related activities or duties while being paid salaries from the public purse in each year since 1997.

Owen Paterson: The Northern Ireland Office (NIO), as it is now configured following the completion of devolution on 12 April, does not have full-time dedicated trade union representatives. The Department has five staff representatives all of whom have spent the equivalent of five days or fewer on trade union-related activities since 12 April.
	Comparable figures for the Department as it is now configured are not available for the period preceding 12 April.

ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE

Anaerobic Digestion

Nicky Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what steps he is taking to encourage the use of anaerobic digestion  (a) nationally and  (b) in the East Midlands.

Gregory Barker: At a national level, renewable electricity generation from anaerobic digestion is incentivised through both the renewables obligation and the feed-in-tariff. In addition we are funding through the environmental transformation fund an anaerobic digestion demonstration programme which will provide the industry, the finance sector and stakeholders with valuable information on the benefits of anaerobic digestion. AD projects can also receiving funding through the European Union rural development programme for England.
	The Secretary of State announced today in his annual energy statement that support for anaerobic digestion will be 'grandfathered' under the renewables obligation (ie that the level of support for a project will not change once it is accredited).
	We expect to set out later this year the further steps to be taken by Government and industry to deliver the coalition programme commitment to a huge increase in energy from waste using anaerobic digestion.
	Feasibility studies have been carried out into anaerobic digestion in the east midlands at a regional and local scale for electricity generation and for transport fuel production. Two projects have already received funding and several more are in the pipeline.

Banks: Environment Protection

Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what plans he has for the  (a) future and  (b) future funding of regional green banks.

Gregory Barker: Following the spending review, the Government will put forward detailed proposals on the creation of a Green Investment Bank to help the UK meet the low-carbon investment challenge. The Government are considering a wide range of options for the scope and structure of the Green Investment Bank and will assess the implications for regional financing initiatives for low carbon technologies as part of this consideration.
	In addition, RDAs are supporting green investment through specific low carbon and generalist SME venture capital funds using ERDF Structural Funds. The Government will continue to support these funds subject to transitional arrangements for the unwinding of RDAs.

Carbon Emissions

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what steps his Department is taking to meet the target of a 20 per cent. reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 2020.

Gregory Barker: The Climate Change Act 2008 sets greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets of at least 34% by 2020 and at least 80% by 2050 (both from the 1990 baseline). The first three carbon budgets, running from 2008 to 2012, 2013 to 2017 and 2018 to 2022, are set in line with the 34% target. This is based on the UK's share of an EU-wide greenhouse gas emissions reduction target of 20% from 1990 levels by 2020. Latest projections published in June indicate that on central scenarios we are on track to achieve the 34% target.
	The Prime Minister has pledged to make this the greenest Government ever. In addition to a range of new policy initiatives, the coalition has already announced that central Government would reduce its carbon emissions by 10% within 12 months and that real time reporting of energy efficiency data would be implemented across Government HQ buildings. We are also supporting greater energy efficiency by introducing the Green Deal and have announced in the House that we are extending the carbon emissions reduction target (CERT) to the end of 2012. We are supporting the carbon price by arguing for the EU to adopt a 30% emissions target for 2020 and we will reform the electricity market to deliver the investment we need to ensure decarbonisation and security of supply.

Carbon Emissions

James Wharton: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what recent assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the Carbon Emissions Reduction Target and Community Energy Saving Programme schemes in reducing levels of carbon dioxide emissions.

Gregory Barker: An evaluation of the predecessor scheme to the Carbon Emissions Reduction Target reported in December 2008, and found it to be very effective. Ofgem administrate CERT on the Government's behalf, publishing quarterly updates of suppliers' progress towards targets. Ofgem accredit the carbon score of schemes where suppliers meet the terms of the operational guidance, including auditing and reporting requirements. CERT has been focussed around measures which deliver long lived savings, namely insulation. We estimate that the measures delivered under CERT will deliver lifetime savings of some 185 Mt CO2 by April 2011. An evaluation of the scheme will be undertaken in 2011.
	A full public consultation was held on proposals for the Community Energy Saving Programme (CESP) from February to May 2009 and it came into effect from September 2009. The CESP impact assessment following the consultation estimated that the scheme will deliver some 2.9 Mt CO2 over the lifetime of the measures installed. We are currently undertaking an evaluation of the CESP, which will be complete in March 2011.

Carbon Emissions

James Wharton: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what estimate he has made of the total level of carbon dioxide reductions credited to energy suppliers in respect of unsolicited provision of energy efficient lightbulbs to customers under the Carbon Emissions Reduction Target scheme.

Gregory Barker: Under the Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT) between April 2008 and March 2010, approximately 140 million bulbs were distributed outside of retail routes to achieve approximately 20 million lifetime tonnes of carbon dioxide reductions (approximately 11% of suppliers total target). We do not know how many of these bulbs were provided unsolicited.
	The Government have announced that CFLs will no longer be eligible for promotion under the CERT extension (April 2011 to December 2012) and that written consumer requests will be required for any non-professionally installed measure delivered outside of retail routes.

Combined Heat and Power

Brandon Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change whether his Department plans to raise the feed-in tariff threshold from 5MW to 10MW.

Gregory Barker: As we set out in the Coalition Programme for Government, we will establish a full system of feed-in tariffs in electricity. We are considering our strategic approach to electricity market reform and funding for renewables and will make further announcements in due course.

Departmental Billing

Jeremy Lefroy: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what percentage of payments made by his Department to  (a) small and medium-sized enterprise suppliers and  (b) all suppliers were made (i) within 10 days of receipt of invoice and (ii) on the agreed payment terms in the last three months for which information is available.

Gregory Barker: In the last three months, DECC has paid the following percentages of invoices:
	
		
			  Percentage 
			  Month  Within five working days( 1)  Within 10 working days  Within 30 calendar days( 2) 
			 April 2010 n/a 96.2 99.3 
			 May 2010 92.3 n/a 99.3 
			 June 2010 94.4 n/a 99.9 
			 (1) From May 2010, the requirement to monitor and report payment performance against 10 working days was changed to five working days; 10 day payment performance for May and June has not been recorded. (2) DECC's standard agreed payment terms is payment in 30 days of receipt of a valid invoice. 
		
	
	DECC does not currently record and publish information about the size of suppliers as this does not fully reflect the number and size of businesses engaged in supplying goods and services. We do not discriminate by size of business because many SMEs can be found within larger supply chains.

Departmental Internet

Damian Hinds: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how much  (a) his Department and  (b) its predecessor spent on search engine biasing with (i) Google and (ii) other search engines in each of the last five years.

Gregory Barker: DECC spent £309,800 exclusive of VAT in 2009-10. DECC was formed in October 2008 and did not hold budgets to cover paid search until 2009-10.
	We are unable to break these figures down by search engine as neither we nor the Central Office of Information hold that level of detail and to find this out would involve disproportionate cost.

Departmental Legal Costs

Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how much  (a) his Department and  (b) its non-departmental public bodies spent on legal advice in each year since its inception.

Gregory Barker: The Department was established in October 2008. Expenditure figures for 2008-09 cannot be provided without incurring disproportionate cost. In 2009-10 the Department spent £15.48 million on legal services. "Legal services" includes legal advice, the cost of DECC's internal legal team and other legal services such as the conduct of litigation. The Department's NDPBs' expenditure on legal services was £6.03 million in 2008-09 and £1.92 million in 2009-10.

Departmental Official Hospitality

Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how much his Department spent on hospitality for events hosted by each Minister in his Department in  (a) May and  (b) June 2010.

Gregory Barker: There has been nil spend on hospitality events by Ministers in May and June of 2010.

Departmental Pay

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how much was paid in remuneration in total to civil servants in his Department in 2009-10.

Gregory Barker: The amount paid in remuneration in total to civil servants in the Department in 2009-10 was £44,211,403.

Departmental Public Expenditure

David Blunkett: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the answer of 19 July 2010,  Official Report, column 72W, on departmental public expenditure, if he will break down by category of savings the sums to be saved from allocations to low carbon technology and business support.

Gregory Barker: DECC's support to low carbon technology and business support has been reduced by £34 million in 2010-11. This is broken down as follows:
	The Low Carbon Buildings Programme was closed early saving £3 million. The budget for round 2 of the Deep Geothermal Challenge Fund (DGCF) was reduced by £l million. Bio-energy grants and Infrastructure budgets were reduced by £4.7 million in total. The Energy Saving Trust Trials (advanced heating controls, LED lighting, solid-wall insulation) were ended early saving £0.7 million. The scope of the central Government Low Carbon Technology Programme was reduced saving £2.9 million. The scope of the offshore wind supply chain capital grants scheme was reduced saving £3 million.
	The Carbon Trust budget was reduced by £12.6 million. The Carbon Trust is a private company and the precise details of how their savings will be made is a matter for its board, but Carbon Trust will this year receive up to £115 million from DECC when all grants are taken into account.
	We will not be proceeding with any unallocated funding.

Departmental Temporary Employment

John Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how many employees on temporary contracts worked in  (a) his Department,  (b) its associated non-ministerial departments and  (c) the non-department public bodies sponsored by his Department on the latest date for which figures are available.

Gregory Barker: The latest figures (all FTE) available are based on June 2010 reports. DECC had 41 staff on payroll on temporary contracts and a further 109 people working in DECC on temporary contracts and not on payroll.
	Civil Nuclear authority had 31 staff on payroll on temporary contracts and a further 14 people working on temporary contracts not on payroll.
	The Committee on Climate Change had no staff on temporary contracts.
	The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority had 13 people working on temporary contracts not on payroll.
	The Coal Authority had 13 people working on temporary contracts not on payroll.

Departmental Trade Unions

Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how much his Department has paid to trade unions in each year since 2008; and what estimate he has made of the monetary value of facilities provided by his Department for use by trade unions in each year since 2008.

Gregory Barker: DECC was created as a new Department in October 2008; records of trade union related activities are not available for financial period 2008-09.
	For year 2009-10 no money, over and above the salary costs associated with the employment of one full-time Departmental Trade Union Side Secretary (civil service grade SEO, salary range £34,713 to £41,851) and an additional 42 days spent on union related activities by local union representatives, was paid to any of our three trades unions.
	To date for year 2010-11 no money apart from salary costs has been paid.
	No estimate has been made of the value of facilities provided by the Department for use by trade unions.

Departmental Trade Unions

Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how many paid manpower hours civil servants in his Department spent on trade union-related duties and activities in each year since 2008.

Gregory Barker: DECC was created as a new Department in October 2008; records of trade union related activities are not available for financial period 2008-09.
	The recognition agreement between DECC and the recognised trade unions (the Public and Commercial Services Union, Prospect, and the FDA) follows the ACAS code of practice "Time off for Trades Union Duties and Activities", and sets out the details of facility time agreed between parties.
	In 2009-10, DECC employed one full-time equivalent officer (approximately 1,900 hours) who operates as our Departmental Trade Union Side Secretary. In addition, 42 days (approximately 350 hours) have been spent by civil servants on trade union related duties and activities.

Departmental Trade Unions

Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how many civil servants in his Department spent the equivalent of  (a) five days or fewer,  (b) five to 10 days,  (c) 10 to 15 days,  (d) 15 to 20 days,  (e) 20 to 25 days and  (f) 25 days or more on trade union-related activities or duties while being paid salaries from the public purse in each year since 2008.

Christopher Huhne: DECC was created as a new Department in October 2008; records of trade union related activities are not available for financial period 2008-09.
	The recognition agreement between DECC and the recognised trades unions (the Public and Commercial Services Union, Prospect, and the FDA) follows the ACAS code of practice "Time off for Trades Union Duties and Activities", and sets out the details of facility time agreed between parties.
	In 2009-10 DECC had one full-time equivalent officer who operated as our Departmental Trade Union Side Secretary. (Category F)
	In the same year 13 other civil servants (trade union representatives) spent fewer than five days each on trade-union related activities. (Category A)

Electric Cables

Tessa Munt: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what procedure he plans to adopt for the consideration of applicants for  (a) new electricity lines of 132kV and above and  (b) other linear major infrastructure projects; and if he will make a statement.

Charles Hendry: Applications for new electricity lines of 132 kV and above and other major linear energy infrastructure projects are currently submitted to the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC) for examination.
	On 29 June we announced that we would abolish the IPC and replace it with a Major Infrastructure Planning Unit (MIPU) as part of the Planning Inspectorate. However, until new legislation is in place to put these arrangements into effect, the IPC will continue in its present role. Once the MIPU is established, it will make recommendations to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State who will determine each case. Transitional arrangements will ensure there is a seamless transition from the current regime to the new one.

Energy: Housing

Robert Halfon: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what criteria he plans to put in place to determine whether energy efficiency products are eligible for support under the Green Deal.

Gregory Barker: We have set out the proposal for a Green Deal that will enable energy users to install energy efficiency measures, with no upfront cost, and paid for over time through the savings on their energy bills.
	While we continue to develop the detail that will underpin the Green Deal, taking into account the needs of the consumers and industry, we are clear that the cost of repayments for Green Deal installed measures should be less than the likely energy bill savings. We are also clear that installed measures should be able to pay for themselves in a reasonable period of time.
	We will be setting out the measures that qualify for the Green Deal in secondary legislation once the forthcoming Energy Security and Green Economy Bill has received Assent.

Energy: National Policy Statements

Tessa Munt: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the written ministerial statement of 15 July 2010,  Official Report, column 40WS, on the draft energy national policy statements (consultation), what changes have been made to the Appraisal of Sustainability for the Overarching Energy National Policy Statement.

Charles Hendry: The work on the Appraisal of Sustainability for the Overarching Energy National Policy Statement is not yet complete and therefore I am not able to say now exactly what changes will be made to it. However, once the work is completed, all the Appraisals of Sustainability and the draft national policy statements will be published for re-consultation in the autumn.

Energy: Prices

Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change if he will consider the merits of requiring energy companies to  (a) promote their social tariffs to those who qualify for them and  (b) allow registration for social tariffs between April and September each year.

Gregory Barker: holding answer 19 July 2010
	Under the current voluntary agreement which is in place from 2008-11, Ofgem has ensured that information about the suppliers' social tariffs and programmes and a contact phone number for consumers to check their eligibility, is available on all the suppliers' websites. Collectively, suppliers had signed up over one million customers by the end of the first year of the agreement, spending £157 million, which exceeded the Government target by 57%.
	Suppliers' social tariffs are currently available for registration at the individual suppliers' discretion. However, in order to be called a social tariff and marketed as such, the tariff is required to be available on an enduring basis, not just seasonally.
	Under the Energy Act 2010, the Government have powers to introduce mandated social price support through the Energy Act 2010 and, subject to the outcome of the Spending Review and public consultation on its proposals, intends to introduce the first scheme in 2011.

Energy: Prices

Michael McCann: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change if he will bring forward proposals to limit increases in domestic energy prices.

Charles Hendry: I have no plans to reintroduce controls for domestic energy prices. Open energy markets and vigorous competition between suppliers are the best means of keeping domestic prices as low as possible. Since privatisation, competition in UK markets has consistently delivered some of the cheapest domestic energy prices in the EU.
	Ofgem closely monitors energy price movements and has said it would investigate this market if it appears that competition was not working properly, as indeed they did in 2008-09.

Energy: Prices

Michael McCann: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change when he expects Ofgem to publish conclusions of its consultation on ending the 65 working day notice period for unilateral contract variations.

Charles Hendry: I understand that Ofgem is now considering the responses to its consultation and it will publish its final proposals before the end of the summer.

Energy: Prices

Michael McCann: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what recent assessment he has made of the accuracy of the use of domestic energy prices when used to calculate wholesale energy prices.

Charles Hendry: The Department for Energy and Climate Change does not publish wholesale energy price forecasts. It publishes oil, gas and coal price assumptions for the period till 2030, which are used in the Department's analytical work. Rather than forecasting prices, DECC attempts to generate a number of price scenarios, based on estimates of fundamentals, that represent a plausible range that might materialise in the future. The assumptions do not capture short-term volatility in fossil fuel prices, but they are intended to reflect potential long-term trends. It is therefore possible to witness significant deviation from these trends in any one year. The Department keeps these assumptions under review, and will update them when necessary. The last review took place in January 2010 but no changes were made. In addition, as part of DECC's Updated Energy and Emissions Projections, DECC produce wholesale electricity price projections which arise from the fossil fuel price assumptions. The most recent projections can be found at:
	http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/statistics/proiections/proiections.aspx

Energy: Windows

Robert Halfon: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what recent estimate he has made of the proportion of houses eligible under Government schemes for assistance with the installation of energy-efficient windows.

Gregory Barker: In principle, energy efficient glazing is an eligible measure under the carbon emissions reduction target for any residential property, providing that the replacement windows go beyond the minimum requirements in part L of the building regulations. It is therefore a decision for the obligated companies whether or not to promote these measures in any particular case. Glazing is also an eligible measure on a similar basis under the Community Energy Saving Programme for any property situated within the scheme's eligible areas.

Housing: Energy

Chris Williamson: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change when he plans to publish the outstanding annual progress reports under the Home Energy Conservation Act 1995; and if he will make a statement.

Gregory Barker: I am currently considering the future of the Home Energy Conservation Act 1995 (HECA), including whether to publish the latest data reported by local authorities and will make my intentions clear in due course.

Insulation: Housing

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what his policy is on the future of the home insulation programme; and if he will make a statement.

Gregory Barker: On 30 June I announced that the principal home insulation scheme, the carbon emissions reduction target, an obligation on energy suppliers to meet household carbon saving targets, would be extended to the end of December 2012. We have restructured the scheme to increase the focus on delivering insulation measures. An order to give effect to the extended scheme was laid before Parliament on 14 July.
	Going forward, we expect home insulation measures to continue to play a central role under the Government's new Green Deal programme. Provisions relating to the Green Deal will be included in the forthcoming Energy Security and Green Economy Bill.

Noise: Farms

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change if he will review the guidance produced by the Energy Technology Support Unit in 1997 on the assessment and rating of noise from wind farms; and if he will make a statement.

Charles Hendry: Noise is a key issue to be taken into account in considering proposals for wind farm development. There is no reason to believe that the protection from noise provided for by the ETSU-R-97 guidance does not remain acceptable, and we have no plans to change this.
	However, I have commissioned an analysis of how noise impacts are considered in the determination of wind farm planning applications in England. The project will seek to establish best practice in assessing and rating wind turbine noise by investigating previous decisions. Our aim is to ensure that ETSU-R-97 is applied in a consistent and effective manner and that it is implemented in a way that provides the intended level of protection.
	Following a competitive tender process, we have awarded the work to Hayes McKenzie, who will begin in September and expect to complete the project around the end of the year.

Nuclear Power

David Mowat: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change when he plans to publish a national policy statement on civil nuclear power; and if he will make a statement.

Charles Hendry: I laid before Parliament a written ministerial statement on 15 July 2010,  Official  Report, column 40WS, which set out that we will re-consult on the energy national policy statements in the autumn. As part of this we will publish the revised draft NPSs including the nuclear NPS. We expect to be in a position to lay the documents before Parliament for ratification in spring next year.

Nuclear Power

Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the contribution of the Minister of State of 22 June 2010,  Official Report, column 23WH, what steps he plans to take to identify areas in the UK nuclear sector where there may have been hidden subsidies.

Charles Hendry: On the question of historic subsidies for nuclear power, I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Redcar (Ian Swales) on 1 July 2010,  Official Report, column 600W.
	On new nuclear power, the Government are clear that there will be no public subsidy. As I explained on 22 June 2010,  Official Report, column 24WH, one area that is being considered carefully is waste and decommissioning funding. The Government are putting in place measures to ensure that operators of new nuclear plants are required by law to set aside money from day one to pay for the waste and clean-up process. The Government will carefully scrutinise other areas, as necessary, to ensure that there is no subsidy for new nuclear going forwards.

Office for Nuclear Development

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the answer of 14 July 2010,  Official Report, column 796W, on Office for Nuclear Development, for what reason the Office for Nuclear Development was listed as a non-departmental body in the answer to the hon. Member for Hartlepool of 6 July 2010,  Official Report, columns 147-8W, on non-departmental public bodies.

Charles Hendry: The answer my hon. Friend the Minister of State for Climate Change gave to the hon. Member for Hartlepool (Mr Wright) on 6 July 2010, to his written parliamentary question no. 5720,  Official Report, column 147-8W was incorrect. My hon. Friend has today laid before Parliament a written ministerial statement correcting this error.
	The Office for Nuclear Development (OND) is not a non-departmental public body, but a unit within the Department of Energy and Climate Change.

Offshore Wind Capital Grants Scheme

William Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what assessment he made of the likely effects on the Government's progress on its targets on climate change of the reduction in the budget of the Offshore Wind Capital Grants Scheme prior to his announcement of that reduction.

Charles Hendry: Decisions on the recent reductions in low carbon technology spending were informed by a value for money assessment of planned programmes, which included an assessment of the impact of the programme on climate change targets as well as other factors such as UK security of supply and the programmes' ability to be delivered within the timescale of the 2010-11 financial year. Following that assessment it was decided to proceed with a £5 million programme, providing grants to seven projects with the strongest fit with the scheme criteria, which we announced on the 5 July 2010. Alongside over £20 million of funding provided in Calls 1 and 2 of this scheme, we expect that funding to make a significant indirect contribution to realising the carbon benefits from offshore wind deployment by supporting next-generation technology.

Power Stations: Didcot

Robert Buckland: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how much water Didcot A power station used for cooling purposes in the latest period for which figures are available; and to what use water so used will be put when Didcot A power station closes in 2020.

Charles Hendry: In 2009 Didcot A power station's net cooling water usage was 2,941,708 cubic metres. This water will no longer been drawn from the river once Didcot A closes by the end of 2015.

Renewable Energy

William Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what assessment he has made of the effect on progress towards the Government's targets on climate change of  (a) the reduction in the budget of the Carbon Trust,  (b) the reduction of funding for development of deep geothermal energy generation and  (c) the reduction in scope of the Offshore Wind Capital Grants scheme.

Charles Hendry: Decisions on the recent reductions in low carbon technology spending were informed by a value for money assessment of all planned technology programmes, which included an assessment of the expected impact of the programme on climate change targets, as well as other factors such as UK energy security and the programmes' ability to be delivered within a 2010-11 timescale.
	The Carbon Trust is a private company and the precise details of how their savings will be made is a matter for its board but Carbon Trust will this year receive up to £115 million from DECC when all grants are taken into account. In the case of deep geothermal the 2nd round call can proceed and together with the £4 million of funding spent last year will provide valuable help in the development and deployment of that technology in the UK. £5 million of funding for seven projects under the third call of Offshore Wind Capital Grants programme will-together with over £20 million awarded in previous calls-support the development of next-generation low-carbon offshore wind technologies.

Renewable Energy

Adrian Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what steps he is taking to improve measurement and reporting of the contribution of central Government expenditure to delivering  (a) the target by 2020 of a seven-fold increase from the 2008 baseline in the amount of energy generated by renewable resources and  (b) the contribution of such expenditure to 2050 targets; and if he will make a statement.

Gregory Barker: From the 2010-11 financial year, DECC and delivery partners will report alongside their annual reports and accounts the income and expenditure on the major renewables policies that fall within DECC's remit. This will provide financial information to supplement the information on progress against the renewables target already published by the Department.
	As set out in the June 2010 edition of Energy Trends published by this Department, progress has been made against the UK's target of 15% of energy from renewables by 2020-3.0% of energy consumption in 2009 came from renewable sources, up from 2.4% in 2008. Full data for 2009 will be published in the Digest of United Kingdom Energy Statistics (DUKES) which will be published later this month and copies placed in the Libraries of both Houses.
	There is no 2050 target for renewables, but the Government have just published the 2050 Pathways Analysis. This is a framework for understanding the potential role of different sectors in meeting the 80% emissions reduction target and ensuring secure energy supplies, and for considering some of the choices and trade-offs that will be faced over the next 40 years.

Renewable Energy

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what his policy is on encouraging the  (a) growth of environmental industries and  (b) generation of electricity by low-carbon methods, with particular reference to the manufacture of products and systems for energy generation.

Charles Hendry: The Government are committed to encouraging the growth of environmental industries and the generation of low carbon electricity, and today set out its overall approach to energy and climate change issues in the Annual Energy Statement.

Renewable Energy

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what discussions he has had with banks on access to finance for  (a) businesses in the photovoltaic manufacture, installation and supply industry and  (b) householders and businesses to pay for such installations.

Charles Hendry: Ministers have met a number of banks in recent weeks to discuss the development of the Green Deal and discussions have touched on microgeneration issues, including solar photovoltaic technology. The Government recognise that this technology has an important part to play in helping to reduce carbon emissions in homes. Since April this year the main vehicle for supporting investment in solar photovoltaics is the feed-in-tariff, which is available for a range of small scale low carbon technologies.

Renewable Energy

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change if he will meet representatives of Mipower Ltd in Shrewsbury to discuss the contribution of environmental businesses to economic development.

Gregory Barker: Thank you for your invitation to meet representatives of Mipower Ltd in Shrewsbury to discuss the contribution of environmental businesses to economic development.
	Can I suggest that Mipower Ltd meet officials within the Distributed Energy and Heat Team in DECC who lead on microgeneration. I would recommend Mipower Ltd contacts Paul Rochester at
	paul.rochester@decc.gsi.gov.uk
	to take matters forward.

Renewable Energy

Eric Ollerenshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change for what reasons tidal technologies used to produce electricity earn two renewable obligation certificates; if he will consider the merits of increasing the number of certificates earned to three; and if he will make a statement.

Gregory Barker: The renewables obligation (RO) is the Government's main mechanism for incentivising investment in large scale renewable electricity. It supports a wide range of technologies with a view to help deliver the required level of generation necessary to meet our target of sourcing 15% of our energy from renewable sources by 2020.
	Support levels for all RO supported technologies will be reviewed as part of the periodic banding review due to start in October this year. Any changes to support levels would then take effect on 1 April 2013.

Renewable Energy

Nicky Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what recent discussions he has had on the use of pyrolytic energy recovery technology.

Charles Hendry: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has not had any discussions on pyrolysis recently.
	Government recognise that pyrolysis is an important and versatile technology which can be used to convert biomass or bio based waste into a range of energy outputs. Pyrolysis is supported through the renewables obligation, with electricity generated from liquid or gaseous fuel produced through innovative advanced pyrolysis qualifying for two renewable obligation certificates.

Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme

Michael Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change when responses to the Renewable Heat Incentive consultation will be published; and when his Department will publish its own response to the consultation.

Gregory Barker: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Sevenoaks (Michael Fallon) on 15 June 2010,  Official Report, columns 367-68W.

Wind Power

Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change whether he plans to revise the noise assessment guidance for wind turbines (ETSU-R-97).

Gregory Barker: Noise is a key issue to be taken into account in considering proposals for wind farm development. There is no reason to believe that the protection from noise provided for by the ETSU-R-97 guidance does not remain acceptable, and we have no plans to change this.
	However, I have commissioned an analysis of how noise impacts are considered in the determination of wind farm planning applications in England. The project will seek to establish best practice in assessing and rating wind turbine noise by investigating previous decisions. Our aim is to ensure that ETSU-R-97 is applied in a consistent and effective manner and that it is implemented in a way that provides the intended level of protection.
	Following a competitive tender process, we have awarded the work to Hayes McKenzie, who will begin in September and expect to complete the project around the end of the year.

Wind Power: Noise

Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change if he will revise ETSU-R-97 on the assessment and rating of noise from wind farms to bring it into line with current standards.

Charles Hendry: Noise is a key issue to be taken into account in considering proposals for wind farm development. There is no reason to believe that the protection from noise provided for by the ETSU-R-97 guidance does not remain acceptable, and we have no plans to change this.
	However, I have commissioned an analysis of how noise impacts are considered in the determination of wind farm planning applications in England. The project will seek to establish best practice in assessing and rating wind turbine noise by investigating previous decisions. Our aim is to ensure that ETSU-R-97 is applied in a consistent and effective manner and that it is implemented in a way that provides the intended level of protection.
	Following a competitive tender process, we have awarded the work to Hayes McKenzie, who will begin in September and expect to complete the project around the end of the year.

JUSTICE

Driving Offences: Fixed Penalties

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what role the County Court Bulk Centre has in respect of penalty orders issued by the Traffic Enforcement Centre.

Jonathan Djanogly: The County Court Bulk Centre (CCBC) is part of Northampton county court. CCBC is made up of the Claims Production Centre (CPC), the Traffic Enforcement Centre (TEC), Money Claims On Line (MCOL) and Possession Claims On Line (PCOL).
	Part 75 of the Civil Procedure Rules 1998 (to be read in conjunction with Practice Direction 75) provides jurisdiction to Northampton county court (Northampton County Court Bulk Centre) under the name The Traffic Enforcement Centre to register and enforce on street parking charges, vehicle emission penalties, road user charges (congestion charges) and bus lane transgression charges.

Compensation: Armed Forces

Geoffrey Cox: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 
	(1)  if he will review the circumstances in which the Legal Services Commission may enforce a charge for costs on compensation awards made to injured servicemen;
	(2)  in how many cases the Legal Services Commission enforced a charge for costs on compensation awards made to injured servicemen in the last 12 months; and what sums were charged in each case.

Jonathan Djanogly: Legal aid is not generally available for personal injury claims that do not result from alleged clinical negligence. However, legal aid may be granted in individual cases where particular criteria are met. These criteria include: that there is significant wider public interest in the proceedings; and that the proceedings involve allegations against a public authority concerning serious wrong-doing, abuse of position or power or significant breach of human rights.
	In cases where a legally aided client gains money as a result of their funded proceedings, the Legal Services Commission (LSC) seeks to recover the public funds expended. This is a fundamental principle of the legal aid system, and ensures that money is available to fund other deserving cases. We have no plans to limit the application of the statutory charge.
	The LSC does not categorise legal aid applications relating to service personnel separately from other applications. The number of legally aided cases where injured service personnel have received compensation cannot be identified.

County Courts: Finance

Elfyn Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what the running cost of Llangefni county court was in each year from 2006 to 2009.

Jonathan Djanogly: The operating costs of Llangefni county court in each year from 2006 to 2009 were as follows:
	
		
			   Operating costs (£000) 
			 2005-06 226.8 
			 2006-07 210.9 
			 2007-08 249.4 
			 2008-09 290.5 
			 2009-10 279.9 
		
	
	The operating costs exclude income but include non-cash costs, staffing costs and judicial costs incurred by HM Courts Service.

County Courts: Redditch

Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what estimate his Department has made of the cost to the public purse of the operation of Redditch county court in each of the next three years.

Jonathan Djanogly: The outcome of the Spending Review 2010 (SR10) will be announced on 20 October. The Ministry of Justice's SR10 submission incorporates high level assumptions in respect to future expenditure and savings. Until the SR10 settlement is agreed with HMT and the internal MOJ Business Group allocations are completed, detailed financial information at the level requested is not available.
	For the hon. Member's information, the operating costs of Redditch county court for the last three years are given in the following table. The operating costs exclude income but include non-cash, staff and judicial costs. It should be noted that there is a policy of recovering the costs for county courts through fee income from court users accessing county court services.
	
		
			   £ 
			 2007-08 493,463 
			 2008-09 510,412 
			 2009-10 471,114

County Courts: Wales

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what estimate he made of the proportion of available court time in each chamber of Rhyl county court during which the court sat in the latest period for which figures are available.

Jonathan Djanogly: Information on days sat at Rhyl county court and the proportion of these as a percentage of available sitting days is given in the table.
	
		
			  Court  (d ay  s at )  Judge Type  Total days sat (non High Court work) 
			  April 2008 - March 2009 Circuit Bench 172.5 
			  District Bench 258.5 
			  Total 431 
			
			  April 2009  -  March 2010 Circuit Bench 147.5 
			  District Bench 242.5 
			  Total 433 
		
	
	Available sitting days in both 2008-09 and 2009-10 were 506 (this figure assumes that both chambers and courtroom were available every working day throughout the periods). The percentage of days sat in 2008-09 was therefore 85% and in 2009-10 it was 79%.
	 Notes:
	Rhyl County Court has one circuit judge court and one District Judge Chambers. The Circuit Bench is inclusive of High Court Judges, Deputy High Court Judges Circuit Judges, Deputy Circuit Judges and Recorders. District Judges includes District Judges and Deputy District Judges.

Courts

Ian Liddell-Grainger: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 
	(1)  how many warrants for the arrest of  (a) defendants and  (b) witnesses resident in the former Minehead court area have been issued for failure to appear at courts in Bridgewater or Taunton since the closure of Minehead courthouse;
	(2)  how many defendants appeared at Bridgwater Magistrates Court in each of the last five years; and how many such defendants gave addresses in Bridgwater;
	(3)  how many truancy cases were heard in courts in  (a) Bridgwater and  (b) Taunton in each of the last five years;
	(4)  how many court cases were adjourned owing to files held at Taunton courthouse not having been made available in the last two years.

Jonathan Djanogly: The information requested is not held centrally as it is not recorded by court staff electronically as part of their routine daily administrative duties. The only means to collect these data would be the inspection of each individual case file at disproportionate cost.

Courts: Closures

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice for what reasons he decided to propose the closure of courts in Rhyl and Denbigh.

Jonathan Djanogly: In order to form the proposals for closure, the principles contained within consultation paper CP15/10 were considered. Particular regard was paid to the respective utilisation rates and the opportunity to rationalise the court estate within reasonable travelling distances of communities.

Courts: Operating Costs

Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 
	(1)  what the operating costs were of each court in Wales in each of the last three years;
	(2)  how much was spent on refurbishment and maintenance at each court in Wales in each of the last three financial years.

Jonathan Djanogly: The operating costs and the resource maintenance and improvements costs for each court in Wales for the last three full financial years are shown in the following table.
	The operating costs exclude income but include non-cash costs, staffing costs and judicial costs incurred by HM Courts Service. The operating costs are inclusive of the resource maintenance and improvement costs.
	
		
			   Operating expenditure (£000)  Maintenance and improvements expenditure (£000) 
			  Name of court  2007-08  2008-09  2009-10  2007-08  2008-09  2009-10 
			 Aberdare magistrates and county court 522.4 420.4 614.3 82.8 85.7 49.0 
			 Abergavenny magistrates court 363.9 218.7 242.2 26.1 21.6 20.8 
			 Abertillery magistrates court 139.1 138.7 125.8 23.5 22.1 25.8 
			 Aberystwyth county court 262.1 215.1 191.6 11.5 25.7 26.2 
			 Aberystwyth magistrates court 83.7 44.0 66.4 10.2 16.7 13.3 
			 Ammanford magistrates court 71.8 59.5 132.2 19.1 10.3 86.2 
			 Barry magistrates court 918.3 1,308.4 1,140.8 75.1 386.0 79.0 
			 Blackwood civil and family centre 941.9 1,095.8 986.2 107.0 25.1 35.0 
			 Brecon law courts 553.2 561.9 536.9 35.8 49.3 48.7 
			 Bridgend magistrates court 1,653.5 1,660.8 1,763.4 45.0 57.6 62.1 
			 Caernarfon county court 464.9 488.4 506.7 34.4 13.9 29.3 
			 Caernarfon crown and magistrates court 1,502.1 1,276.3 3,794.5 33.3 31.8 64.1 
			 Caerphilly magistrates court 226.3 709.0 371.8 35.1 90.9 55.0 
			 Cardiff civil justice centre 3,431.5 3,041.0 4,702.7 550.7 78.2 126.8 
			 Cardiff crown court 3,432.8 4,203.7 3,718.3 300.6 389.7 162.7 
			 Cardiff magistrates court 3,743.5 3,772.2 5,896.7 351.5 236.0 253.6 
			 Cardigan magistrates court 40.9 95.2 98.0 13.2 22.7 31.5 
			 Carmarthen county court 467.8 403.7 355.8 45.5 30.1 38.8 
			 Carmarthen magistrates court 303.7 265.5 414.3 194.3 122.2 74.7 
			 Chepstow magistrates court 0.2 - 2.9 - - - 
			 Conwy and Colwyn Bay county court 147.1 192.2 173.1 5.9 13.6 1.0 
			 Cwmbran magistrates court 244.6 316.5 396.8 89.7 54.8 37.5 
			 Denbigh magistrates court 83.9 109.9 101.3 29.9 41.6 24.9 
			 Dolgellau crown and magistrates court 132.7 66.3 62.3 46.8 32.4 13.7 
			 Flint magistrates court 69.9 -4.3 102.7 12.9 12.6 7.3 
			 Haverfordwest law courts 1,123.4 1,191.5 1,558.0 46.5 75.0 408.5 
			 Holyhead magistrates court (North Anglesey) 163.9 127.2 81.7 98.7 36.4 16.7 
			 Llandrindod Wells magistrates court 65.1 81.8 63.9 17.5 19.1 13.4 
			 Llandudno magistrates court 1,283.5 1,531.3 1,807.5 44.7 136.2 41.7 
			 Llanelli magistrates and county court 1,485.3 1,236.2 1,544.6 143.5 143.5 95.0 
			 Llangefni county court 249.4 290.5 279.9 15.4 33.9 41.2 
			 Llangefni magistrates court 24.1 72.7 15.2 13.4 8.6 8.8 
			 Llwynypia magistrates court 258.6 292.3 337.4 40.1 41.8 49.9 
			 Merthyr Tydfil combined court 5,358.9 6,172.3 3,230.8 610.5 -119.7 75.3 
			 Mold court complex 1,484.7 1,878.9 1,616.9 119.1 216.5 115.0 
			 Neath and Port Talbot county court 488.2 564.1 558.5 23.7 45.3 18.3 
			 Neath magistrates court 956.3 964.3 1,018.1 89.2 59.2 93.9 
			 Newport county court 154.7 211.9 614.7 16.5 72.0 148.9 
			 Newport county court (Olympia House) 1,059.5 1,041.1 1,018.5 16.9 18.3 113.9 
			 Newport crown court 1,229.3 1,431.5 1,247.9 75.2 85.2 70.4 
			 Newport magistrates court (Civic Centre) 190.6 300.0 445.1 48.2 46.8 44.8 
			 Newport magistrates court (Pentonville) 433.2 120.8 72.7 21.0 24.0 21.5 
			 Pontypool county court 147.5 113.8 118.3 12.6 16.9 14.7 
			 Pontypridd county court 684.6 853.3 965.6 36.5 138.5 27.3 
			 Pontypridd magistrates court 1,091.9 1,513.9 923.2 57.8 287.0 41.0 
			 Port Talbot magistrates court 296.7 192.6 397.8 56.0 51.9 41.2 
			 Prestatyn magistrates court (Rhuddlan) 146.3 176.4 241.4 38.6 38.7 33.9 
			 Pwllheli magistrates court 34.6 56.4 45.6 13.3 19.5 17.9 
			 Rhyl county court 528.7 583.5 657.0 33.4 22.8 31.7 
			 Swansea civil justice centre 2,221.4 2,001.3 2,109.5 237.2 95.8 200.6 
			 Swansea crown court 569.1 662.4 1,001.5 86.3 133.0 22.7 
			 Swansea crown court offices 1,989.1 1,873.0 1,983.0 331.7 88.4 73.2 
			 Swansea magistrates court 1,790.9 1,750.8 1,696.8 195.7 137.6 42.4 
			 Welshpool magistrates and county court 247.2 443.7 458.7 38.5 27.8 72.4 
			 Wrexham county court 637.8 678.6 712.0 8.7 8.3 8.7 
			 Wrexham magistrates court 1,492.8 1,636.9 1,542.8 83.4 74.6 50.7

Courts: Security

John Leech: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many security staff work for HM Courts Service.

Jonathan Djanogly: There are 55 directly-employed security guards working for HM Courts Service (HMCS) at the Royal Courts of Justice. A further 57 guards at the Central Criminal Court are provided by Corporation of London. However, the majority of security guards currently deployed across the HMCS estate are provided under contract through third party providers. As at June 2010 there were approximately 1,439 security staff working at HMCS sites and a further 72 working at Tribunals Service sites. A complement of circa 300 guards is also available to draw on to cover leave/sick absences. At a minority of HMCS sites, a further (estimated) 24-30 security staff are provided under the terms of occupational lease agreements.

Courts: Security

John Leech: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many security staff working at each court for HM Courts Service are employees of MITIE Group plc; what assessment he has made of the effects of implementation of his proposals for court closures on the number of such employees working for the Court Service; and if he will make a statement.

Jonathan Djanogly: There are 1,439 security staff employed by MITIE working at HMCS courts. There is also a complement of about 300 guards available to draw on to cover leave, or sick absence.
	The consultations on court estate proposals began on 23 June 2010 and will close on 15 September 2010. No specific assessment has been of the effects of any court closure on MITIE employees working for HMCS. However, I encourage MITIE and its individual employees to respond to the consultation and their response will be considered as part of decisions on whether and which courts to close.

Courts: Taunton

Ian Liddell-Grainger: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice on how many days each court in  (a) Taunton and  (b) Bridgwater sat in each of the last five years.

Jonathan Djanogly: The information requested is shown in the following table.
	
		
			   Hours  
			  Court/period  Available to magistrates  Available to other users  Total available hours  Criminal utilisation  Civil utilisation  Other judicial use  Total judicial use  Utilisation (percentage) 
			  Bridgwater 
			 April 2009 to March 2010 3,719.70 0 3,719.70 1,383.41 149.2 0 1,532.61 41.2 
			 April 2008 to March 2009 3,719.70 0 3,719.70 1,625.74 174.1 6 1,805.84 48.5 
			 April 2007 to March 2008 3,719.70 0 3,719.70 1,863.00 235.05 192.5 2,290.55 61.6 
			  
			  Taunton 
			 April 2009 to March 2010 4,959.60 0 4,959.60 2,400.89 193.35 12 2,606.24 52.5 
			 April 2008 to March 2009 4,959.60 0 4,959.60 2,591.83 286.2 33.5 2,911.53 58.7 
			 April 2007 to March 2008 4,959.60 0 4,959.60 2,710.00 202.3 216.5 3,128.80 63.1 
			  Note: The Ministry of Justice (HMCS) has obtained this electronic data from an internal management system (HMCS Performance Database). The data required for Bridgewater and Taunton Magistrates courts can be obtained centrally as far back as financial year 2007-08. All magistrates courts have only ever recorded sitting hours. Sitting days are not available in this jurisdiction.

Courts: Wales

Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many cases were heard in each court in Wales in each of the last three years.

Jonathan Djanogly: Information on the workload of the magistrates courts, county courts and the Crown court in Wales for each of the last three years is provided in the following tables.
	
		
			  Table 1: Completed proceedings in magistrates courts local justice areas 
			  Local justice area  Financial year  Volume 
			 Carmarthen 2007-08 3,034 
			  2008-09 2,480 
			  2009-10 2,042 
			 Ceredigion 2007-08 2,398 
			  2008-09 2,222 
			  2009-10 2,278 
			
			 De Brycheiniog 2007-08 1,290 
			  2008-09 1,087 
			  2009-10 1,425 
			
			 Dinefwr 2007-08 1,703 
			  2008-09 1,639 
			  2009-10 1,080 
			
			 Llanelli 2007-08 3,778 
			  2008-09 4,350 
			  2009-10 5,074 
			
			 Montgomeryshire 2007-08 2,195 
			  2008-09 2,435 
			  2009-10 2,408 
			
			 Neath and Port Talbot 2007-08 8,171 
			  2008-09 7,733 
			  2009-10 7,778 
			
			 Pembrokeshire 2007-08 5,213 
			  2008-09 5,218 
			  2009-10 4,623 
			
			 Radnorshire and North Brecknock 2007-08 548 
			  2008-09 625 
			  2009-10 709 
			
			 Swansea 2007-08 17,551 
			  2008-09 16,940 
			  2009-10 15,602 
			
			 Anglesey (Ynys Mon) 2007-08 3,473 
			  2008-09 3,256 
			  2009-10 2,765 
			
			 Conwy 2007-08 5,722 
			  2008-09 5,871 
			  2009-10 6,032 
			
			 Denbighshire 2007-08 6,213 
			  2008-09 6,205 
			  2009-10 6,467 
			
			 Flintshire 2007-08 5,800 
			  2008-09 5,328 
			  2009-10 6,731 
			
			 Gwynedd 2007-08 5,998 
			  2008-09 5,428 
			  2009-10 6,260 
			
			 Wrexham Maelor 2007-08 9,614 
			  2008-09 9,472 
			  2009-10 10,487 
			
			 Cardiff 2007-08 32,661 
			  2008-09 32,576 
			  2009-10 28,179 
			
			 Cynon Valley 2007-08 3,557 
			  2008-09 3,831 
			  2009-10 3,188 
			
			 Gwent 2007-08 33,668 
			  2008-09 29,182 
			  2009-10 31,166 
			
			 Merthyr Tydfil 2007-08 6,480 
			  2008-09 6,076 
			  2009-10 5,850 
			
			 Miskin 2007-08 12,385 
			  2008-09 11,209 
			  2009-10 10,000 
			
			 Newcastle and Ogmore 2007-08 9,184 
			  2008-09 7,843 
			  2009-10 7,351 
			
			 Vale of Glamorgan 2007-08 7,724 
			  2008-09 7,154 
			  2009-10 6,325 
			  Notes: 1. 'Volume' includes Criminal, Civil and Family proceedings. Means Enquiries, and Rights to Representation. 2. Information is only available at local justice area and includes all the courts within Wales. 3. The data come from an internal management system. The data are subject to our minimal levels of quality assurance and are based on the data currently available. 
		
	
	
		
			  Table 2: Private and public law family orders made (counted by child) in county courts and the District Registry of the High Court in Wales, 2006-08 to 2008-09 
			   County  c ourts  High Court 
			  Court name  2006-07  2007-08  2008-09  2006-07  2007-08  2008-09 
			 Aberystwyth 146 128 138 0 0 0 
			 Blackwood 345 305 510 0 0 0 
			 Brecknock 38 46 38 0 10 0 
			 Bridgend 23 3 164 195 2 0 0 
			 Caernarfon 309 405 370 1 11 14 
			 Cardiff 1,088 991 927 27 12 5 
			 Carmarthen 132 122 176 0 0 0 
			 Haverfordwest 245 240 181 0 0 0 
			 Llanelli 338 379 292 3 0 0 
			 Llangefni 194 137 265 0 0 0 
			 Merthyr Tydfil 168 151 201 0 0 0 
			 Neath and Port Talbot 261 285 247 1 0 0 
			 Newport, Gwent 1,018 1,123 1,073 21 10 2 
			 Pontypridd 813 646 842 3 0 3 
			 Rhyl 366 417 480 15 22 62 
			 Swansea 719 830 886 28 7 6 
			 Welshpool 73 81 110 0 0 0 
			 Wrexham 297 267 267 2 2 2 
			 All Wales 6,783 6,717 7,198 103 74 94 
			  Notes: 1. Figures relate to the number of children subject to each application. 2. Public law refers to child protection cases where a local authority is stepping in to protect a child from harm. Private law refers to cases where there is a dispute between two or more private individuals regarding a child. For example, over where he/she is to live or whether someone should have contact with him/her. Both are cases brought under the Children Act 1989. 3. Statistics for 2009-10 are not yet available; 2009 data are due to be published in September 2010.  Source: HM Courts Service FamilyMan system 
		
	
	
		
			  Table 3: Completed family court proceedings in Wales county courts, 2007-08 to 2009-10 
			  Court name  2007-08  2008-09  2009-10 
			 Aberystwyth 309 267 233 
			 Blackwood 1,161 1,059 948 
			 Brecknock 235 219 173 
			 Bridgend 812 735 703 
			 Caernarfon 765 579 616 
			 Cardiff 1,952 1,641 1,431 
			 Carmarthen 402 398 283 
			 Haverfordwest 615 488 498 
			 Llanelli 784 1,086 1,343 
			 Llangefni 285 240 252 
			 Merthyr Tydfil 330 286 313 
			 Neath and Port Talbot 790 578 572 
			 Newport, Gwent 1,156 934 941 
			 Pontypridd 792 606 799 
			 Rhyl 692 666 400 
			 Swansea 966 803 1,454 
			 Welshpool 613 554 550 
			 Wrexham 794 738 608 
			 All Wales 13,453 11,877 12,117 
			  Notes: 1. Figures include orders made in the District Registry of the High Court, and exclude public and private law cases. 2. Figures include cases related to domestic violence injunctions, dissolution and nullity of marriage and ancillary relief. 3. One case may include more than one type of ancillary relief order.  Source: HM Courts Service FamilyMan system. 
		
	
	
		
			  Table 4: The total number of civil (non-family) cases heard in each county court in Wales for the last full three financial years 
			  Court name  2007-08  2008-09  2009-10 
			 Aberdare 307 326 272 
			 Aberystwyth 111 138 128 
			 Blackwood 1,084 1,033 777 
			 Brecknock 85 106 88 
			 Bridgend 867 858 651 
			 Caernarfon 280 324 271 
			 Cardiff 2,511 2,625 2,151 
			 Carmarthen 298 321 272 
			 Conwy and Colwyn 326 403 321 
			 Haverfordwest 422 384 361 
			 Llanelli 408 478 345 
			 Llangefni 193 185 163 
			 Merthyr Tydfil 362 363 278 
			 Mold 379 414 328 
			 Neath and Port Talbot 685 688 630 
			 Newport, Gwent 1,637 1,520 1,201 
			 Pontypool 398 384 435 
			 Pontypridd 820 822 721 
			 Rhyl 619 634 478 
			 Swansea 1,307 1,357 1,096 
			 Welshpool 160 153 145 
			 Wrexham 837 847 607 
			  Note: Total number of civil proceedings completed in the Welsh county courts includes all cases disposed of by a trial or small claim hearing, or which saw an order for possession of property made at a hearing.  Source: HM Courts Service CaseMan system and Possession Claim On-Line system 
		
	
	
		
			  Table 5: Crown court cases dealt with in Wales, 2007-08 to 2009-10 
			  Crown court centre  2007-08  2008-09  2009-10 
			 Caernarfon 468 481 522 
			 Cardiff 4,014 4,414 3,643 
			 Carmarthen 411 421 410 
			 Dolgellau 0 0 0 
			 Haverfordwest 172 146 148 
			 Merthyr Tydfil 304 444 1,084 
			 Mold 829 930 1,042 
			 Swansea 1,088 1,153 1,175 
			 Welshpool o 0 0 
			  Note: 1. Crown court cases includes cases committed/sent for trial, committed for sentence and appeals against magistrates courts decisions. 2. Some of the centres listed above are 'satellite' courts of main centres, those main courts and satellites are listed in the following list.  Source: HM Courts Service CREST System 
		
	
	 Satellites of Mold
	Caernarfon
	Dolgellau
	Welshpool
	 Satellites of Swansea
	Carmarthen
	Haverfordwest

Crimes of Violence: Sentencing

Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what proportion of offenders sentenced to prison terms of six months or less were sentenced for violent offences.

Crispin Blunt: The number of offenders sentenced to an immediate custodial sentence of six months or less for violent indictable offences, non-violent indictable offences and all indictable offences, and the proportion they are of total indictable offences, England and Wales 2008 (latest available) are shown in the table as follows.
	Data for 2009 are planned for publication on 21 October 2010.
	
		
			  Number of offenders sentenced to immediate custodial sentences of six months or less, by indictable offence group( 1) , England and Wales 2008( 2,3,4) 
			  Offence category/ group  Immediate custodial sentence of six month or less  Proportion of the total sentenced for indictable offences (%) 
			  Violent indictable offences   
			 Violence against the person 4,742 - 
			 Sexual offences 285 - 
			 Robbery 317 - 
			 Total 5,344 14 
			
			  Non-violent indictable offences   
			 Burglary 3,563 - 
			 Theft and handling stolen goods 18,515 - 
			 Fraud and forgery 2,149 - 
			 Criminal damage 564 - 
			 Drug offences 1,781 - 
			 Other indictable offences 5,207 - 
			 Indictable motoring offences 493 - 
			 Total 32,272 86 
			 Total indictable offences 37,616 100 
			 (1) Summary offences have not been included as they are not categorised into violent or non-violent offences (2) The figures given in the table relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences it is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed for two or more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe. (3) Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. (4) Excludes data for Cardiff magistrates' court for April, July, and August 2008.  Source:  Justice Statistics - Analytical Services, Ministry of Justice

Debt Management : Regulation

Clive Betts: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 
	(1)  which organisations officials of his Department have met to discuss regulation of the debt management sector since 6 May 2010;
	(2)  what research his Department has undertaken on alternative regulatory models to the system of self-regulation in the debt management sector since 6 May 2010;
	(3)  what estimate the Government has made of  (a) the number of people that will be in debt management plans where fees have been charged by the end of 2010 and  (b) the total amount of fees that will have been incurred by customers entering into debt management plans in 2010;
	(4)  when he expects to publish the response to his Department's consultation on debt management schemes; whether a summary of responses will be published; and which Department will be responsible for implementing the decisions made;

Jonathan Djanogly: Officials at the Ministry of Justice speak to a wide range of interested parties as part of conducting the business of Government. However, since 6 May 2010 there have been no meetings with any organisations to discuss debt management, nor has been any further research on alternative regulatory models to the system of self-regulation in that sector.
	The consultation on debt management schemes that closed on 18 December 2009 looked at the way that debtors deal with their indebtedness. It asked for evidence on whether the powers contained in Chapter 4 of Part 5 of the Tribunals Courts and Enforcement Act (TCEA) 2007 to approve operators of Debt Management Schemes (DMS) should be introduced or whether the taking of other steps to make sure that debtors are protected and creditors' interests are safeguarded would be more appropriate.
	There is currently very little empirical data relating to debt management plans. It is estimated that 100,000 to 150,000 individual plans are created each year, with up to 700,000 plans in existence at any one time. However, there is no definitive data on either the proportion of these where fees are charged, or the nature and level of any fees that may be charged by different providers.
	An initial impact assessment was published alongside the consultation paper which considered the potential effectiveness of all of the options contained in the consultation paper. The impact assessment contained a number of questions which sought to obtain information relating to each of the options. However, the few responses to these questions contained very little factual information relating to these options. Consequently, it is not possible to make any estimate about the total amount of fees that will have been incurred by customers entering into debt management plans.
	Officials at the MoJ have recently completed a full analysis of the views and opinions offered by all interested parties to the debt management consultation. The Government will consider the results of the consultation before deciding what further action to take, and will publish its response shortly.

Departmental Billing

Jeremy Lefroy: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what percentage of payments made by his Department to  (a) small and medium-sized enterprise suppliers and  (b) all suppliers were made (i) within 10 days of receipt of invoice and (ii) on the agreed payment terms in the last three months for which information is available.

Jonathan Djanogly: The percentage of payments made within 10 days to all suppliers for the last three months are:
	
		
			   Percentage 
			 April 2010 95 
			 May 2010 93 
			 June 2010 93 
		
	
	The Department does not keep records on payments made to small and medium-sized suppliers, as to attempt to break the payment performance down further between SMEs and all creditors by the Department and its agencies would incur disproportionate costs.
	As the Department's payment processes are now predicated on achieving the cross-Government prompt payment targets performance for all suppliers against individual supplier terms are not measured.

Departmental Communication

Stewart Hosie: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what instructions have been issued by the private office of each Minister in his Department on the preparation of briefing, speeches and replies to official correspondence.

Kenneth Clarke: Guidance on ministerial preferences is an effective way of making sure Ministers are able to fulfil their obligations to Parliament and the public to the highest standards possible. Ministers' private offices have therefore issued guidance on the departmental intranet as necessary setting out each Minister's preferences for briefing, speeches and replies to official correspondence.

Departmental Consultants

John Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what his Department's budget for consultants is for 2010-11.

Kenneth Clarke: The Department's budget for consultancy for 2010-11 is £23.546 million. This was the initial identified allocation, and has not been amended following the new cross Government freeze on new consultancy spend.
	We are committed to implementing this freeze and hope to reduce the anticipated spend. All new consultancy contracts over £20,000 must now be signed off by a departmental Minister and notified to the Efficiency Reform Group and HM Treasury Spending teams.

Departmental Official Cars

Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how much his Department has spent on the Government Car Service since the Government took office.

Crispin Blunt: The cost to the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) for the use of the Government Car Service for the period 12 May 2010 to 12 July 2010 is £67,402.79. This expenditure covers use of the Government Car Service by the Ministry of Justice headquarters, Her Majesty's Courts Service, the Tribunals Service, the Office of the Public Guardian and the National Offenders Management Service (NOMS). The figures are for amounts invoiced by the Government Car and Despatch Agency in the period and may relate in part to journeys taken prior to 12 May 2010. Average monthly expenditure on the Government Car Service in 2008-09 was £110,000 per month, giving an indicative equivalent figure of £220,000 for the same period last year. These figures are currently unaudited.
	Due to the process used to account for expenditure, a small proportion of costs may relate to the previous Administration in the early part of May and some recent journeys may not yet have been accrued for on the accounting system. It would incur disproportionate cost to quantify these issues as individual order details would need to be retrieved and scrutinised.
	The Home Office provides the arrangements in relation to the Minister of State for Policing and Criminal Justice, who also has ministerial responsibilities at the Ministry of Justice.
	The new Ministerial Code, published on 21 May 2010, contains changes that affect ministerial entitlement to travel by Government car. It states that
	"the number of Ministers with allocated cars and drivers will be kept to a minimum, taking into account security and other relevant considerations. Other Ministers will be entitled to use cars from the Government Car Service Pool as needed".
	The Department for Transport and its Government Car and Despatch Agency are working with Departments to effect the transition to the new arrangements.
	The Ministerial Code is available on the Cabinet Office website.

Departmental Official Hospitality

Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how much his Department spent on hospitality for events hosted by each Minister in his Department in  (a) May and  (b) June 2010.

Kenneth Clarke: The only expenditure of this nature was by me, as Secretary of State for Justice and Lord Chancellor on the following events:
	
		
			   Event  Amount (£) 
			 17 May 2010 Reception with MOJ Director Generals 20.80 
			 25 May 2010 Lord Chancellor's reception (State Opening of Parliament) 1,208.56 
			 9 June 2010 Reception and dinner for British-Israeli legal exchange 5,102.59 
			 17 June 2010 Reception for key figures in the Legal and Criminal Justice system 854.75 
		
	
	All hospitality is closely scrutinised and carefully monitored to ensure good value for taxpayers' money and that it stays within the appropriate rules and guidelines.

First Offenders

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many of those convicted for a first offence of a non-violent and non-sexual nature have been sentenced to a prison term in each year since 2005.

Crispin Blunt: Figures for the total number of offenders who were convicted for a first offence of a non-violent and non-sexual nature and sentenced to a prison term in each year since 2005 are shown in following table:
	
		
			  Number of offenders who were convicted and sentenced to immediate custody for a first offence of a non-violent and non-sexual nature in England and Wales, 2005-08, indictable offence only( 1,2) 
			  Sentencing year  All  Immediate custody  (%) 
			 2005 26,761 6,010 22.5 
			 2006 25,397 5,980 23.5 
			 2007 25,775 6,896 26.8 
			 2008 25,096 7,201 28.7 
			 (1) Including indictable and trial either ways offences (2) Counts of offenders sentenced during the year, an offender may be counted more once if an offender had been sentenced more than once 
		
	
	These figures are a further breakdown of those in Table 6.7 of 'Sentencing Statistics 2008' which was published on 28 January 2010 and can be found at
	http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/sentencingannual.htm
	The figures have been drawn from the police's administrative IT system, the police national computer, which, as with any large scale recording system, is subject to possible errors with data entry and processing. The figures are provisional and subject to change as more information is recorded by the police.

Fixed Penalties: Shoplifting

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many fixed penalties have been  (a) issued and  (b) paid in each of the last three months for shop theft; and if he will make a statement.

Crispin Blunt: Data on the number of Penalty Notices for Disorder (PNDs) issued and paid in full for theft (retail under £200) to all persons aged 16 and over, in England and Wales, 2008 (latest available) can be viewed in the following table. Data for 2009 are planned for publication on 21 October 2010.
	The figures presented for the number of PNDs paid in full reflect the number of PNDs that have been paid without any court action being taken.
	We will be considering our approach to all out of court disposals, including fixed penalty notices for shoplifting, as part of the sentencing assessment.
	Under our programme for Government for the next five years, we will conduct a full assessment of sentencing policy to ensure that it is effective in deterring crime, protecting the public, punishing offenders and cutting reoffending.
	
		
			  Number of Penalty Notices for Disorder issued and paid in full for theft (retail under £200) to all persons aged 16 and over, by month, England and Wales 2008( 1, 2) 
			   Issued  Paid in full 
			 January 3,394 1,573 
			 February 3,597 1,629 
			 March 3,708 1,726 
			 April 3,707 1,650 
			 May 3,680 1,709 
			 June 3,919 1,751 
			 July 3,833 1,671 
			 August 3,587 1,607 
			 September 3,679 1,648 
			 October 4,194 1,940 
			 November 4,108 1,953 
			 December 4,210 2,046 
			 Annual 45,616 20,903 
			 (1) The Penalty Notice for Disorder (PND) scheme was rolled out to all police forces in England and Wales in 2004 under the provisions of the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001. Under the scheme, the police are able to issue penalty notices (£50 or £80) for a range of minor offences some of which attract a higher tariff. The recipient of a PND has 21 days to either pay the penalty or seek a court hearing. No admission of guilt is required and the PND recipient discharges all liability for the offence and receives no criminal record, if the penalty is paid. If no action is taken a fine of one and half the penalty amount is registered against the recipient of the notice. The courts are responsible for enforcing fines arising from PNDs in the same way as any other unpaid fine. (2) Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used.  Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services in the Ministry of Justice.

HM Courts Service

Ian Liddell-Grainger: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice whether the consultation by HM Courts Service on the provision of courts services in Devon and Cornwall, Avon and Somerset and Gloucestershire will include an assessment of the likely effect on the sitting times of Taunton Magistrates' Court in the event of the closure of Bridgwater Magistrates' Court.

Jonathan Djanogly: Our assessment is that Taunton magistrates court has sufficient capacity to deal with any additional work that it receives if Bridgwater were to close. The proposals are designed to ensure that sitting days are fully utilised but we do not predict that Taunton magistrates court will need to sit beyond the target of five hours per courtroom per day.

HM Courts Service

Ian Liddell-Grainger: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what consideration he has given to the future use of the Bridgwater Magistrates' Court building should the consultation by HM Courts Service on the provision of courts services in Devon and Cornwall, Avon and Somerset and Gloucestershire recommend its closure.

Jonathan Djanogly: No decisions on closures have been made or will be made until all the responses to the public consultations have been considered. The consultations will be vital in deciding the approach to the retention or closure of courthouses within the HMCS Estate. It would be premature to discuss future use of court buildings during the consultation phase.

Human Rights: Children

Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice whether Andrew Williamson and Peter Smallridge received legal advice from his Department on the use of force and the human rights of children in the course of their review of the use of restraint in juvenile secure settings.

Crispin Blunt: We have no record of receiving a request for legal advice from the co-chairs of the independent review. However, the Government's response to the review was informed by legal advice.

Insurance: Households

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what estimate he has made of the number and proportion of householders who have legal insurance; and if he will make a statement.

Jonathan Djanogly: Legal expenses insurance (often referred to as before the event insurance) pays or contributes to the policyholder's legal expenses in circumstances prescribed by the policy. This type of insurance cover is commonly purchased as an add-on to other insurance policies such as home or motor insurance. However, it may be taken out by individuals as a stand-alone policy.
	The Government do not routinely collect data on the number and proportion of householders who have legal insurance. However, a report prepared for the Ministry of Justice in 2007 estimated that 59% of people had some form of legal expenses insurance overall. Of those 35% had legal expenses insurance as part of their home insurance. A copy of the report is available at
	www.justice.gov.uk/publications/legal-exp-ins-report.htm

Judges

Elfyn Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many district judges there were in each year from 2003 to 2009.

Jonathan Djanogly: The numbers of district judges in post as at 1 April each year from 2003 to 2009 are set out in the following table. This information is also available on the Judiciary of England & Wales website at
	www.judiciary.gov.uk
	
		
			  As at 1 April  District Judge  Deputy District Judge  District Judge (magistrates courts)  Deputy District Judge (magistrates courts) 
			 2003 426 787 104 174 
			 2004 433 801 104 173 
			 2005 430 826 128 167 
			 2006 449 840 134 158 
			 2007 450 780 139 169 
			 2008 438 773 136 167 
			 2009 444 668 134 166

Legal Aid : Expenditure

Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what legal aid expenditure was on immigration appeals in  (a) London and  (b) nationally in each financial year since 2005-06.

Jonathan Djanogly: It is not possible to identify expenditure for initial advice from expenditure before the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal in cases where work under both levels of service is provided, nor is it possible to identify immigration expenditure from asylum expenditure under a legal aid certificate. The overall legal aid expenditure on immigration and asylum in London, and nationally, for each year since 2005-06, is provided in the following table.
	
		
			  £ million 
			   London  National (including London) 
			 2005-06 49 86 
			 2006-07 37 73 
			 2007-08 44 80 
			 2008-09 44 82 
			 2009-10 46 85

Legal Services Commission: Finance

Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what plans his Department has for future funding for the Legal Services Commission.

Kenneth Clarke: As part of our Spending Review planning and negotiation, we are considering a number of options to reduce legal aid spend over the course of the Spending Review period. We intend to seek views on our proposed new approach in the autumn.
	It has already been announced that we plan to move the Legal Services Commission to become an Executive agency of the Ministry of Justice, which will streamline accountability.

Magistrates Courts

Ian Liddell-Grainger: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what assessment he has made of the adequacy of courthouse provision in Taunton in the event of the closure of Bridgwater Magistrates Court.

Jonathan Djanogly: Bridgwater Magistrates Court is the only court in the Sedgmoor Local Justice Area. The closure of the court would require the merger of the Taunton Dean and West Somerset Local Justice Area and the Sedgemoor Local Justice Area. The proposal is to close Bridgwater and transfer work to Taunton Magistrates Court, which is 12 miles and a 20 minute car journey away.
	Bridgwater has a very low utilisation rate of 41.2%. The court is not permanently staffed and does not provide a public counter service; staff at Taunton currently travel to Bridgwater for hearings. Taunton Magistrates Court has a utilisation rate of 52.5% and could accommodate the workload from Bridgwater, should it close.
	Should the decision to close Bridgwater Magistrates Court be taken, a full implementation plan will be produced to ensure the smooth transfer of work. This will include some minor work in Taunton Magistrates Court to prepare it to receive the additional work.

Magistrates Courts

Elfyn Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what capital expenditure was incurred in maintenance of the building housing Llangefni magistrates court in each year from 2006 to 2009.

Jonathan Djanogly: The capital costs for Llangefni magistrates court were zero for each of these years. The resource maintenance figures for these years, which form part of the overall running costs, are provided in the following table.
	
		
			   £ 
			 2005-06 1,841 
			 2006-07 8,278 
			 2007-08 12,714 
			 2008-09 9,258 
			 2009-10 8,834

Magistrates Courts: Closures

Julian Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice with reference to the consultation of HM Courts Service on proposals on the provision of courts services in North and West Yorkshire, what factors he took into account in determining that the closure of Skipton magistrates and county courts would remove the requirement for the allocation of HM Courts Service funding of £310,000 for backlog maintenance.

Jonathan Djanogly: The maintenance backlog figure comprises several elements of maintenance work including: heating and plumbing; decoration; roofing; ventilation and air-conditioning and external works. Assessments of backlog maintenance are provided by professional Managing Agents using Condition Surveys and reference to their Forward Maintenance Register.
	As indicted in the consultation papers, if Skipton Magistrates Court and Skipton County Court (which are co-located in the same building) were to close it would remove the need for HMCS investment in backlog maintenance of around £310,000. The maintenance backlog figures given in the consultation papers are based on data as at July 2009 (the most recent at time of publication). The figures will be updated with July 2010 data for the purpose of the impact assessment which will be published alongside the consultation responses.

Magistrates Courts: Closures

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if he will make an equality impact assessment in respect of the proposed closure of  (a) Denbigh magistrates court and  (b) Rhyl county court.

Jonathan Djanogly: An equality impact assessment (EIA) initial screening has been produced for the court estate rationalisation programme. The EIA initial screening identifies that there are likely to be equality impacts should courts close and that further information is required. We will be working throughout the consultation period to gather this information and are seeking views on equality impacts through the consultation process. We will produce a full impact assessment for each HMCS area to inform any decision on whether and which courts should close.

Magistrates Courts: Domestic Violence

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice which of the magistrates' courts being reviewed for closure have an associated specialist domestic violence court.

Jonathan Djanogly: Of the 103 magistrates courts on whose closure we are consulting, 25 are currently part of an accredited Specialist Domestic Violence Court (SDVC) system. These are:
	Knowsley
	Whitehaven
	Salford
	Goole
	Selby
	Pontefract
	Barry
	West Bromwich
	Rugby
	Towcester
	Daventry
	Kettering
	Lewes
	Hemel Hempstead
	Newbury
	Tamworth
	Newton Abbot
	Spalding
	Acton
	Aberdare
	Bridgwater*
	Andover*
	Alton*
	Grays*
	Haringey*
	For 20 of these courts it is proposed to move the work of the existing SDVC to another accredited SDVC should the courts close. In the remaining five cases (those starred above) the proposals involve the transfer of the SDVC work to a court that is currently not designated as a Specialist Domestic Violence Court, should those courts close.
	In conjunction with the National Steering Group, we are currently reviewing the provision of Specialist Domestic Violence Courts in those areas where their provision may be affected.

Magistrates Courts: West Sussex

Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many  (a) criminal cases,  (b) individual hearings in criminal cases and  (c) non-criminal cases were handled by each magistrates court in West Sussex in each of the last five years.

Jonathan Djanogly: Information is only available on the number of criminal cases and non-criminal cases for West Sussex Local Justice Area (LJA), which includes Chichester and Worthing magistrates courts, since 2007. This can be found in the following table:
	
		
			  Completed proceedings: West Sussex( 1) 
			   Criminal cases  Non criminal cases( 2) 
			 2007-08(3) 12,684 4,558 
			 2008-09 7,763 3,785 
			 2009-10 12,207 3,791 
			 (1) Information is only available at Local Justice Area level and includes all the courts within this LJA (Chichester and Worthing). (2) Civil, Family, Means Inquiries and Rights to Representation. (3) Prior to April 2007, the data was not collected centrally. For this reason, the data is from 2007-08.  Note: The data comes from an internal management system. The data is subject to our minimal levels of quality assurance and is based on the data currently available. 
		
	
	The completed proceedings data above includes cases that have a final outcome. It does not include the number of hearings a case may have had or any cases that are in the process of being heard.
	However, information is held on the average number of hearings for West Sussex LJA. This can be found in the following table:
	
		
			  Average number of hearings for defendants in all criminal cases-target: 2.25 hearings: West Sussex( 1) 
			  Period  Average number of hearings( 2)  (target 2.25 hearings) 
			 September 2007 2.76 
			 March 2008 2.79 
			 September 2008 2.62 
			 March 2009 2.35 
			 September 2009 2.27 
			 March 2010 2.53 
			 (1) Information is only available at Local Justice Area and includes all the courts within this LJA (Chichester and Worthing). (2) The average number of individual hearings for each criminal defendant (data above) is recorded via the Ministry of Justice Time Internal Survey. In March and September of each year the survey covers all defendants in completed criminal cases. As a year on year comparison, the same period should be used, as this is representative of the caseload during that period of the year (i.e. March 2008 should be compared with March 2007).  Note: The average includes a mixture of cases that may have adjournments and cases that could also be completed after first listing.

Magistrates: Gwynedd

Elfyn Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 
	(1)  how many justices of the peace there were in the County of Gwynedd in each year from 2006 to 2009;
	(2)  how many justices of the peace sat as magistrates in the County of Gwynedd in each year from 2006 to 2009.

Jonathan Djanogly: The Lord Chancellor's Advisory Committee on Justices of the Peace for Gwynedd covers two benches-Gwynedd and Ynys-Mon/Anglesey. It should be noted that benches do not necessarily correspond to county lines. It is not, therefore, possible to give exact figures for magistrates (aka Justices of the Peace) allocated to a particular county. The following table shows all recorded magistrates covered by the Gwynedd Advisory Committee area from 2006 to 2009 (this includes magistrates who were not actively sitting during the period).
	
		
			   Number 
			 31 March 2006 122 
			 31 March 2007 140 
			 31 March 2008 139 
			 31 March 2009 154 
		
	
	The following table shows those magistrates who were actively sitting in the area from 2006 to 2009.
	
		
			   Number 
			 31 March 2006 89 
			 31 March 2007 102 
			 31 March 2008 105 
			 31 March 2009 111

Mesothelioma: Compensation

Stephen Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what steps he plans to take to help expedite compensation claims for those who have developed mesothelioma.

Jonathan Djanogly: The Government are committed to supporting people suffering from mesothelioma and we are considering how this can best be achieved. In particular, officials are currently undertaking scoping work to consider options to speed up and improve the claims process in relation to compensation claims for mesothelioma and will involve representatives from claimant solicitors, insurers and the judiciary. I expect to receive detailed advice on this in the autumn.

Money Laundering: Corruption

Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice with reference to article 57 of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption 2004, what embezzled public funds the Serious and Organised Crime Agency has returned to victim governments following convictions in the UK for money laundering and corruption in the last five years.

Nick Herbert: SOCA is one of a number of UK law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation of the proceeds of corruption. SOCA does not have a role in the return of recovered funds to victim countries. Confiscation of assets is a matter for the courts. The subsequent enforcement of a court order is the responsibility of Her Majesty's Court Service. The return of recovered assets is the responsibility of the Government.
	According to the latest data we hold, £1.37 million has been returned following convictions in the UK; a further £16.4 million has been recovered through civil actions launched by the Government of Nigeria in the UK building on Metropolitan police case work.
	A further £162 million is frozen in the UK (as a result of Metropolitan police and SOCA work).

Offenders: Rehabilitation

Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what assessment he has made of the effect of budgetary reductions in his Department on the implementation of his proposals for the rehabilitation of offenders.

Kenneth Clarke: Over the coming months we will be developing a new approach to rehabilitation so that the public are protected and the level of reoffending is reduced. We intend to increase opportunities for the private and not-for-profit sectors to become involved in rehabilitation work and be paid for their results. We intend to set out more detail on these proposals as well as on an assessment of sentencing policy in a Green Paper in the autumn.
	Relevant resource decisions will be made in light of these policy developments and the spending review.

Office of the Public Guardian

Duncan Hames: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many investigations have been conducted by the Office of the Public Guardian in each of the last three years; and how many of these have resulted in consequent action being taken by the Public Guardian.

Jonathan Djanogly: The functions of the Office of the Public Guardian, as laid down in section 58 of the Mental Capacity Act 2005, include the ability to investigate any concerns around the way in which an attorney, appointed either under a registered enduring power of attorney (EPA) or lasting power of attorney (LPA), or a deputy appointed by the Court of Protection is carrying out their responsibilities.
	Since 1 October 2007 the OPG has received a total of 2,559 referrals, all of which undergo an initial assessment in order to ascertain the level of risk to the vulnerable adult and the priority of the situation. After this initial assessment the cases were dealt with as follows:
	1,195 required a more formal in depth investigation by the OPG;
	1,080 were signposted to social services department, the police or elsewhere (because they fell outside the OPG's jurisdiction);
	284 resulted in no other action being taken as the referral was found to warrant no action.
	The breakdown by year of the 1,195 formal investigations is as follows:
	2007: 29
	2008: 294
	2009: 544
	2010 (to date): 328
	Of this 1,195 total since October 2007, 998 formal investigations have so far been concluded and action taken.
	Actions taken by the OPG at the conclusion of a formal investigation have included: applying to the Court of Protection for the removal of either the deputy or the attorney, severance of an EPA or an LPA, increasing the supervision level of the case, serving the attorney with a censure letter whereby the attorney is told to improve in specific areas or face further action. Some cases have resulted in a referral to the police.
	Where cases are signposted to a third party, this is because the cases fall outside the jurisdiction of the OPG, which only covers registered enduring or lasting powers of attorney or deputies appointed by the Court of Protection.

Office of the Public Guardian

Mark Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what the cost of the operations of the Office of the Public Guardian was in each of the last three years; and what the cost of producing the OPG in Touch newsletter was in each of those years.

Jonathan Djanogly: The Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) was created on 1 October 2007 to coincide with the implementation of the Mental Capacity Act 2005. It replaced the Public Guardianship Office (PGO) and is an executive agency of the Ministry of Justice. The operating costs for the final six months of the PGO from April 2007 to September 2007 and those for the OPG from its creation in October 2007 to date are as follows:
	
		
			   Operating costs (£) 
			  PGO  
			 April 2007 to September 2007 9,411,000 
			   
			  OPG  
			 October 2007 to March 2008 7,184,000 
			 April 2008 to March 2009 16,935,000 
			 April 2009 to March 2010(1) 23,286,000 
			 (1) Figures for 2009-10 are subject to final approval. 
		
	
	'OPG in Touch' is the newsletter produced by the OPG to provide information to deputies-persons appointed by the Court of Protection to make decisions on behalf of someone lacking capacity to make those decisions themselves. Generally, up to three editions are produced each year. The predecessor, produced by the PGO was known as 'Reaching Out'.
	The costs of producing the newsletter are as follows:
	
		
			   £ 
			 April 2007 to March 2008 (1)32,924 
			 April 2008 to March 2009 36,252 
			 April 2009 to March 2010 27,961 
			 (1) Includes two editions of 'Reaching Out'

Out-of-Court Disposals

Dominic Raab: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many and what percentage of those offences brought to justice were  (a) administered as out-of-court disposals and  (b) pursuant to a criminal conviction in court in each year since 2003.

Crispin Blunt: The number and proportion of offences brought to justice for England and Wales 2003 to 2008 (latest available calendar year) are given in the table as follows.
	Data for 2009 are planned for publication on 21 October 2010.
	
		
			  Number of offences brought to justice (OBTJs), by outcome and the proportion they are of the total, England and Wales 2003 to 2008( 1,2) 
			   Offences brought to justice (OBTJ) 
			   Offences taken into consideration( 3)  Penalty notices for disorder( 4)  Formal warnings for cannabis possession( 5)  Caut ions( 6)  Convictions  Total OBTJs( 7) 
			  Number (thousand)   
			 2003 95 3 n/a 238 723 1,060 
			 2004 104 30 19 264 707 1,125 
			 2005 114 99 54 312 698 1,277 
			 2006 123 142 79 370 694 1,407 
			 2007 108 144 99 383 722 1,457 
			 2008 105 117 106 344 731 1,403 
			  Percentage of total OBTJs (%)   
			 2003 9 0 n/a 22 68 100 
			 2004 9 3 2 23 63 100 
			 2005 9 8 4 24 55 100 
			 2006 9 10 6 26 49 100 
			 2007 7 10 7 26 50 100 
			 2008 7 8 8 24 52 100 
			 n/a = Not applicable (1) Excludes British Transport Police. (2) Excludes convictions data for Cardiff magistrates court for April, July and August 2008. (3) Offences taken into consideration by the court and previously recorded by the police; figures for April 2004 onwards include offences not previously recorded. (4) Piloted in 2002 and introduced nationally in 2004. (5) Introduced in April 2004 (6) Includes reprimands and final warnings for juveniles. (7) Total may not equal the sum of the constituent parts due to rounding.  Note: The introduction of the National Crime Recording Standards (NCRS) in April 2002 resulted in significant increases in the number of crimes recorded.  Source:  Justice Statistics Analytical Services in the Ministry of Justice

Pleural Plaques: Compensation

Stephen Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what estimate he has made of the number of people with pleural plaques eligible for compensation under the extra-statutory scheme announced on 22 February 2010.

Jonathan Djanogly: We expect around 6,500 people to consider applying under the extra-statutory payment scheme.

Pleural Plaques: Compensation

Stephen Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many of those with pleural plaques and eligible for the extra-statutory compensation scheme announced on 22 February 2010 have received compensation payments; and by what date he expects all those eligible under the scheme to have received compensation.

Jonathan Djanogly: The extra-statutory scheme has not begun accepting claims, and so no payments have as yet been made. We hope that the scheme will be in a position to start accepting claims shortly. The scheme will remain open for applications for the period of one year from the date on which it comes into operation. Payments will be made on a timely basis on receipt of applications, and any payments outstanding at the end of the one year period for applications will be made as soon as possible after that date.

Prison Officers

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what plans he has for the future of prison officer Grade 2; and if he will make a statement.

Crispin Blunt: All new prison officer recruits join the service at prison officer Grade 2; this system has been in place since October 2009.
	This arrangement is working well and NOMS do not have any plans to change it.

Prisoners: Foreign Nationals

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 
	(1)  how many foreign nationals were detained at HMP Peterborough in each month in the last 12 months to April 2010; what proportion of the total prisoner population in each month this represented; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what the nationality was of each foreign national prisoner held at HMP Peterborough on 1 April 2010; and if he will make a statement.

Crispin Blunt: Table 1 as follows shows numbers of foreign national prisoners detained in HMP Peterborough and these as proportions of the total population in HMP Peterborough, split by gender, for the last 12 months up to and including March 2010.
	As at 31 March 2010, table 2 shows the nationality of each foreign national prisoner detained in HMP Peterborough. Figures of less than five have been suppressed to avoid possibility of disclosure, such figures are indicated by an asterisk.
	These figures have been drawn from administrative IT systems which, as with any large scale recording system, are subject to possible errors with data entry and processing.
	
		
			  Table 1 
			   Male Foreign Nationals in HMP Peterborough  Male Foreign Nationals as a proportion of total male population in HMP Peterborough (Percentage)  Female Foreign Nationals in HMP Peterborough  Female Foreign Nationals as a proportion of total female population in HMP Peterborough (Percentage) 
			 April 2009 117 19 47 14 
			 May 2009 118 19 62 17 
			 June 2009 114 19 61 18 
			 July 2009 123 20 60 16 
			 August 2009 130 21 53 17 
			 September 2009 126 20 50 16 
			 October 2009 130 21 61 19 
			 November 2009 123 21 66 18 
			 December 2009 113 19 61 18 
			 January 2010 132 21 61 20 
			 February 2010 120 19 63 19 
			 March 2010 122 20 69 19 
		
	
	
		
			  Table 2 
			  Nationality  Male  Female 
			 Algeria * * 
			 Angola * * 
			 Botswana * * 
			 Cameroon * * 
			 Congo * * 
			 Gambia * * 
			 Ghana * * 
			 Kenya * * 
			 Liberia * * 
			 Morocco * * 
			 Nigeria 5 8 
			 Senegal * * 
			 Sierra Leone * * 
			 Somalia 5 * 
			 South Africa * * 
			 Tunisia * * 
			 Uganda * * 
			 Zimbabwe * 5 
			 Afghanistan * * 
			 Bangladesh * * 
			 China * * 
			 India * * 
			 Pakistan * * 
			 Sri Lanka 6 * 
			 Vietnam 7 11 
			 Guyana * * 
			 Albania * * 
			 Belgium * * 
			 Bulgaria * * 
			 Czech Republic * * 
			 Estonia * * 
			 France * * 
			 Germany * * 
			 Gibraltar * * 
			 Hungary * * 
			 Irish Republic * * 
			 Italy * * 
			 Latvia 7 * 
			 Lithuania 11 * 
			 Moldova * * 
			 Netherlands * * 
			 Poland 11 * 
			 Portugal 9 * 
			 Romania 6 6 
			 Russian Federation * * 
			 Serbia and Montenegro * * 
			 Slovakia 8 * 
			 Iran * * 
			 Iraq * * 
			 United States * * 
			 Grenada * * 
			 Jamaica * 5 
			 St Lucia * *

Prisoners: Foreign Nationals

Nadine Dorries: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many non-UK nationals from  (a) EU member states and  (b) non-EU member states are detained in prison (i) on remand and (ii) serving sentences.

Crispin Blunt: As at 31 March 2010, there were 879 non-UK nationals from EU member states in prison on remand and a further 2,413 serving sentences. There were 1,542 non-EU nationals in prison on remand and a further 5,420 serving sentences.
	The number of foreign national prisoners held in all prison establishments in England and Wales by nationality is published quarterly in the population in custody bulletin, found under the following link:
	http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/populationincustody.htm
	These figures have been drawn from administrative IT systems which, as with any large scale recording system, are subject to possible errors with data entry and processing.

Prisoners: Repatriation

Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if he will bring forward proposals to ensure prompt consideration of applications for the transfer of UK citizens serving prison sentences in  (a) Venezuela and  (b) other states with a prisoner transfer agreement with the UK.

Crispin Blunt: The United Kingdom has been able to repatriate prisoners since 1985 and procedures are in place to ensure that any application received is considered promptly and in accordance with the requirements of the relevant international arrangement.
	The United Kingdom and Venezuela are signatories to the Council of Europe Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. The Ministry of Justice is working in conjunction with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to identify British nationals who wish to be transferred from Venezuela to England and Wales to continue serving their prison sentence here. From 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2009 the Ministry of Justice repatriated 10 British nationals from Venezuelan prisons. During the same period 177 British nationals were transferred from other countries with which the United Kingdom has prisoner transfer arrangements.
	The repatriation of prisoners to Scotland and Northern Ireland is a matter for the respective devolved administration.

Prosecutions: Weapons

Chuka Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 
	(1)  how many 13 to 19 year olds were prosecuted for possession of a gun in  (a) Streatham constituency,  (b) the London Borough of Lambeth,  (c) London and  (d) England in (i) each year from 2005 to 2009 and (ii) 2010 on the latest date for which figures are available;
	(2)  how many 13 to 19 year olds were prosecuted for possession of knives in  (a) Streatham constituency,  (b) the London Borough of Lambeth,  (c) London and  (d) England in (i) each year from 2005 to 2009 and (ii) 2010 on the latest date for which figures are available.

Crispin Blunt: The number of persons aged 13 to 19 proceeded against at magistrates courts in Greater London and England for firearms possession offences and having an article with a blade or point in a public place, from 2005-08 (latest available) is given in tables 1 and 2 respectively.
	Information held centrally does not allow a breakdown of cases by parliamentary constituency or local authority area, therefore Metropolitan and City of London police force area data have been provided in lieu.
	Data for 2009 are planned for publication on 21 October 2010.
	
		
			  Table 1: Number of persons aged 13 to 19 years proceeded against at magistrates courts in Greater London( 1)  and England for firearm possession offences( 2) , from 2005-08( 2, 3) 
			  Police force area  2005  2006  2007  2008 
			 England 919 758 832 635 
			  Of which: 
			 Greater London 199 184 182 140 
			 (1) Includes the City of London and Metropolitan police force areas. (2) Includes offences under sections of the Firearms Act 1968 as amended by Criminal Justice Act 1972, Firearms (Amendment) Act 1994, Criminal Justice Act 2003, Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003, Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 and the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006. (3) The figures given relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offence for which they were dealt with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences, the offence selected is the one for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed for two or more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe.  Note: Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used.  Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services: Ministry of Justice. 
		
	
	
		
			  Table 2 : Number of persons aged 13 to 19 years proceeded against at magistrates courts in Greater London( 1)  and England  for offences of having an article with a blade or point( 2) , from 2005-08( 2, 3) 
			  A rea  2005  2006  2007  2008 
			 England 1,990 2,193 2,149 2,148 
			  Of which: 
			 Greater London 604 661 558 712 
			 (1) Includes the City of London and Metropolitan police force areas. (2) Includes offences under the Criminal Justice Act 1988 section 139; and section 139A(1) as added by Offensive Weapons Act 1996, section 4(1). (3) The figures given relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offence for which they were dealt with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences, the offence selected is the one for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed for two or more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe.  Note: Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used.  Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services: Ministry of Justice.

Rape: Rights of Accused

Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice pursuant to the oral answer of 20 July 2010,  Official Report, column 161, on defendant anonymity (rape cases) 
	(1)  on what non-statutory basis he proposes that anonymity for defendants in rape cases could be provided;
	(2)  what plans he has to bring forward legislative proposals to grant anonymity to defendants in rape cases.

Crispin Blunt: As I made clear at the all-day debate on this subject on 8 July 2010,  Official Report, columns 533-602, the Government will consider over the summer recess how best to go about strengthening anonymity up to the point of charge and will bring proposals to Parliament in the autumn. The Government are only considering non-legislative options on this matter and, as I said in the House on 20 July 2010,  Official Report, columns 160-61, we are trying to find the best non-statutory solution.
	The Government have also decided to postpone publication of an assessment of the existing research and statistics until September. This will allow us to give as full a consideration as possible to the relevant evidence and to address the many questions that have been raised, in particular those raised in the debate on 8 July. The revised time scale also allows appropriate quality checks to be undertaken.

Secure Training Centres

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice which  (a) persons and  (b) organisations his Department consulted prior to (i) the issue of contracts to the private providers to run the secure training centres at (A) Oakhill, (B) Hassockfield, (C) Rainsbrook and (D) Medway and (ii) the reissue of the contract for Oakhill.

Crispin Blunt: Prior to the establishment of the first secure training centre (STC) in 1998, the Home Office (which at the time had responsibility for commissioning places for young people in custody) carried out a full public consultation on the new type of custodial establishment for under-18s.
	Following this, the Home Office carried out a tendering exercise for the building, financing, construction and operation of the new centres, in accordance with European Union contract rules and regulations.
	In May 2008 G4S, the contractor at Oakhill Secure Training Centre, acquired Rebound Children's Services, the operator of two other STCs (Rainsbrook and Medway). G4S decided that Rebound should also be given responsibility for Oakhill. However, this process did not involve reissuing the contract.

Secure Training Centres

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if he will make it his policy to place secure training centres under the control of public sector providers.

Crispin Blunt: Secure training centres are privately run custodial establishments for young people under 18. They are one of three forms of custody for under-18s: the other two are young offender institutions, which are mostly run by the Prison Service, and secure children's homes, which are run by local authorities (under the supervision of the Department for Education).
	Each type of establishment operates a different type of regime, which is designed to cater for the needs of the young people that are placed there. The diversity of the under-18 estate helps it better to meet the varying needs of young people in custody.
	Secure places for under-18s in custody are commissioned by the Youth Justice Board, which keeps the accommodation it commissions under continuing review, to ensure it best meets the needs of young people while ensuring value for money.

Secure Training Centres

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if he will review each control and restraint incident which took place in secure training centres during the 12 months to March 2009; and if he will publish details of each incident including the  (a) number of staff involved,  (b) age, ethnic origin, sex and any disabilities of the child in custody and  (c) age, ethnic origin and sex of each member of staff involved.

Crispin Blunt: Secure training centres are regularly inspected by Ofsted including in the use of restraint. In addition, the Youth Justice Board monitors who work in the establishments are informed whenever restraint is used within 24 hours of the occurrence.
	Data regarding the use of restraint in secure training centres are collected by the Youth Justice Board from monthly returns by each establishment. The following tables show the number of restrictive physical interventions (RPI) recorded in each secure training centre by age, ethnic origin and sex of the young person during the 12 months to March 2009.
	Data on restrictive physical interventions by disability or by number, age, ethnic origin or sex of members of staff involved in restraint incidents are not collected centrally.
	The data have been supplied by the Youth Justice Board and have been drawn from administrative IT systems, which, as with any large scale recording system, are subject to possible errors with data entry and processing and may be subject to change over time.
	
		
			  Restrictive physical interventions by age, April 2008 to March 2009 
			   11  12  13  14  15  16  17  Total 
			 STC total 0 0 60 625 602 453 52 1,792 
			  
			 Hassockfield 0 0 3 165 209 157 9 543 
			 Medway 0 0 23 154 106 106 27 416 
			 Oakhill 0 0 29 198 120 107 5 459 
			 Rainsbrook 0 0 5 108 167 83 11 374 
		
	
	
		
			  Restrictive physical interventions by ethnic origin, April 2008 to March 2009 
			   Asian  Black  Mixed  Other  White  Total 
			 STC total 18 256 209 1 1,308 1,792 
			
			 Hassockfield 3 6 68 0 466 543 
			 Medway 1 96 31 1 287 416 
			 Oakhill 9 107 86 0 257 459 
			 Rainsbrook 5 47 24 0 298 374 
		
	
	
		
			  Restrictive physical interventions by sex, April 2008 to March 2009 
			   Male  Female  Total 
			 STC total 1,132 660 1,792 
			 
			 Hassockfield 384 159 543 
			 Medway 286 130 416 
			 Oakhill 329 130 459 
			 Rainsbrook 133 241 374

Secure Training Centres

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if he will bring forward proposals to prohibit the use of restraint techniques that involve deliberately inflicting physical pain in secure training centres.

Crispin Blunt: It is essential that approved and effective techniques are available to staff in custodial establishments who find themselves dealing with young people whose behaviour puts the young people themselves, or others, at risk. The independent Review of Restraint in Juvenile Secure Settings, published in December 2008, concluded that, in exceptional circumstances, pain-compliant techniques were necessary in the secure estate for children and young people. Pain-complaint techniques are only to be used as the last resort, where all other methods of control have failed or would not succeed and where there is serious threat to the safety of young people or staff.

Secure Training Centres

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if he will establish a public inquiry chaired by a member of the judiciary to investigate the compatibility of practices in secure training centres with Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

Crispin Blunt: Secure training centres are subject to regular inspection by Ofsted. Each STC has a monitor whose role is to review and report to the Secretary of State on the running of the centre. Monitors have a number of statutory functions including investigating allegations made against custody officers and hearing appeals from trainees.
	The independent "Review of Restraint in Juvenile Secure Settings", which examined behaviour management and restraint practices in all three sectors of the under-18 secure estate, reported in 2008. The Government have no plans to establish a further inquiry into practices in secure training centres.

Secure Training Centres

Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice which companies have been contracted to transfer children under the age of 18 years to and from secure training centres; and how many times and for what purpose staff of each of these companies used each of the techniques involving force specified in the Physical Control in Care manual on a child under the age of 18 years in each month of each of the last five years.

Crispin Blunt: Since 1 April 2005, the Youth Justice Board has contracted with Reliance Custodial Services for the provision of a service to transport sentenced young people to and from secure training centres. The contract makes provision for Reliance to sub-contract and there are currently four companies with whom they maintain such an arrangement: Wrixon Care Services; Cares UK; Excel Custodial & Escort Services; and Rebound Escort Solutions.
	According to data provided to the Youth Justice Board by Reliance Custodial Services, between July 2005 and June 2010 a total of 12 Physical Control in Care restraints were applied for the purpose of preventing a young person from: injuring him- or herself or others; damaging property; or inciting another trainee to cause injury or damage to property. Details of which particular hold or holds were used in each instance are not collected centrally.
	Restraint holds or, on occasion, handcuffs, are also used, following individual risk assessments, when escorting young people through non-secure areas; and handcuffs are used in some court areas where it is mandatory to do so. Previous data are not available for this category of restraint, but earlier this year contractors began putting in place systems to collect the data, which the Youth Justice Board expect to be available from July onwards.

Secure Training Centres

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if he will bring forward proposals to prohibit the use of handcuffs on children in secure training centres and young offender institutions.

Crispin Blunt: It is essential that approved and effective techniques are available to staff in custodial establishments who find themselves dealing with young people whose behaviour puts the young people themselves, or others, at risk. Handcuffs are permitted for use in secure training centres in exceptional circumstances, where their use would be the safest option. Any use of handcuffs must be authorised by the Director of the centre.
	In young offender institutions, handcuffs are applied only when absolutely necessary in specified circumstances, either within the establishment to control a violent or aggressive young person or to prevent the escape of a young person being escorted outside the establishment.

Secure Training Centres

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if he will undertake a review of child protection measures in secure training centres with the aim of bringing forward legislative proposals to improve the safeguarding of children in custody.

Crispin Blunt: The Youth Justice Board, with the assistance of the National Children's Bureau, conducted a comprehensive review of safeguarding in the under-18 secure estate, which was published in December 2008. The review looked at child protection measures in secure training centres and noted a number of areas of effective practice and areas for improvement. Following the review, the Youth Justice Board developed a safeguarding strategy for the next three years and is pressing ahead with the implementation of that strategy.
	The revised statutory guidance "Working Together to Safeguard Children", published in March 2010, places a responsibility on local safeguarding children boards to have in place effective working practices between local authorities and secure establishments. This will include consideration of agreed referral processes and information-sharing arrangements for child protection issues. Secure training centres, in partnership with their local authorities, undertake regular audits of their safeguarding policies in line with section 11 of the Children Act 2004.

Secure Training Centres

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if he will take steps to improve the provision of information to children who have been detained in a secure training centre and their families on their rights to seek justice and compensation in cases of abuse by staff of a secure training centre.

Crispin Blunt: All young people in secure training centres (STCs) have access to support and advice, including from independent sources such as advocates and help-lines. As part of the induction process, all young people in STCs are provided with information about the complaints process and how to contact advocates, which is displayed in communal areas. The Youth Justice Board (YJB) is currently undertaking a review of complaints, with a view to improving the complaints processes across the under-18 secure estate.
	The YJB is working in partnership with the Children's Rights Alliance for England (CRAE) to develop an independent publication for children and young people. The publication will explain young people's rights while in custody and in the community, the concepts of human rights and equality and how and where to get help if they consider that their rights may have been breached.

Secure Training Centres

Geoffrey Cox: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what information is provided by secure training centres to  (a) children held in secure training centres,  (b) the parents or carers of children admitted to secure training centres,  (c) local authorities which are the corporate parents of children and  (d) independent advocacy services on approved restraint measures.

Crispin Blunt: Behaviour management and restraint issues are discussed with all children and young people as part of the secure training centre's (STC) admission procedure. The Youth Justice Board is working in partnership with STCs to pilot additional ways of informing young people on the use of restraint practices.
	Parents and carers who attend a young person's initial planning and review meetings have an opportunity to discuss all aspects of the young person's training plan, including aspects of behaviour management. Parents and carers are informed of any incident involving restraint at the earliest opportunity.
	Following every incident of restraint, the secure training centre will inform a young person's youth offending team (YOT) case worker. Where a local authority is the corporate parent of a young person, the YOT will either liaise with the social worker assigned to the young person regarding the incident or instruct the establishment to contact the social worker directly.
	Each secure training centre holds a monthly incident review meeting attended by the independent advocate team leader to review information about restraint incidents including their location, the staff involved and the holds used. Independent advocates are also invited to demonstrations of the restraint techniques run by the centres.

Secure Training Centres: Disciplinary Proceedings

Geoffrey Cox: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many staff have been  (a) disciplined,  (b) suspended and  (c) dismissed following a restraint incident in a secure training centre in each of the last five years.

Crispin Blunt: Restraint is only ever to be used by staff as a last resort, when all other approaches have either not succeeded or would not be appropriate. Each secure training centre holds a monthly incident review meeting attended by the independent advocate team leader to review information about restraint incidents including their location, the staff involved and the holds used. The Youth Justice Board monitors who work in the establishments are informed whenever restraint is used within 24 hours of the occurrence.
	The available data, which are set out in the following table, have been supplied by the Youth Justice Board and have been drawn from administrative IT systems, which, as with any large scale recording system, are subject to possible errors with data entry and processing and may be subject to change over time.
	
		
			  Staff disciplined, suspended and dismissed following a restraint incident at a secure training centre, 2006 to 2010( 1) 
			   Disciplined  Suspended  Dismissed 
			 2006(2) 3 0 0 
			 2007(2) 2 4 0 
			 2008 6 6 0 
			 2009 3 2 1 
			 2010 0 1 0 
			 (1 )Data supplied by the Youth Justice Board. (2 )Does not include data relating to Oakhill, as this is not available for this year.

Secure Training Centres: Equipment

Geoffrey Cox: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice whether wrist locks are authorised for use in secure training centres.

Crispin Blunt: Wrist locks are not currently authorised for use in secure training centres.

Secure Training Centres: Restraint Techniques

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if he will review the use of control and restraint techniques in secure training centres with the aim of ensuring that all techniques used by staff in situations where there are immediate and serious threats to life are  (a) consistent with standards in comparable settings involving children and vulnerable adults and  (b) compliant with human rights legislation.

Crispin Blunt: The independent Review of Restraint in Juvenile Secure Settings published in December 2008 made a series of recommendations to improve the use of restraint and behaviour management by staff across the under-18 secure estate, including in situations where there are immediate and serious threats to life. In the course of drawing up their recommendations, the joint chairs of the review examined in detail the use of restraint in other settings involving children and vulnerable adults. A major programme of work is in progress to implement the review's recommendations.

Secure Training Centres: Restraint Techniques

Geoffrey Cox: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice with reference to the physical control in care restraint manual used in secure training centres, whether there are any equivalent documents governing restraint and the use of force in young offender institutions.

Crispin Blunt: Restraint is only ever to be used by staff as a last resort, when all other approaches have either not succeeded or would not be appropriate. Prison Service Order 1600 regulates the policy on use of force in young offender institutions. The Control and Restraint training manual sets out the training syllabus and briefing material necessary for teaching the approved techniques to staff.

Secure Training Centres: Restraint Techniques

Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what steps he has taken to inform the chairs of local safeguarding children boards of the restraint and breakaway techniques authorised for use in secure training centres.

Crispin Blunt: The revised statutory guidance "Working Together to Safeguard Children", published in March 2010, places a duty on Local Safeguarding Children Boards to
	"ensure appropriate links with any secure setting in its area and be able to scrutinise restraint techniques, the policies and protocols which surround the use of restraint, and incidences of injuries".
	Every secure training centre Director is a member of the Local Safeguarding Children Board and will be able to provide any information that is required by the LSCB to fulfil its statutory function.

Secure Training Centres: Restraint Techniques

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if he will bring forward proposals for a ban on the use in secure training centres and young offender institutions of restraint techniques which may result in physical pain.

Crispin Blunt: It is essential that approved and effective restraint techniques are available to staff in custodial establishments, to enable them to deal with young people whose behaviour puts at risk the safety of the young person him- or herself, other young people, or members of staff. Restraint is only used as a last resort, when all other methods of control have failed or would not succeed.
	Any form of restraint has the potential to cause pain if the young person resists. In deciding whether a technique should be approved for use, the key issue is safety. The Restraint Accreditation Board, chaired by Professor Susan Bailey, is about to begin a programme of work to assess the safety and appropriateness of all techniques used in the under-18 secure estate.

Secure Training Centres: Restraint Techniques

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many times a child has been held face down to the floor during restraint in each secure training centre in each of the last five years.

Crispin Blunt: Each secure training centre records the types of physical control in care holds applied during each incident of restraint, and analyses information on a monthly basis. However, the centres' information management records do not specifically capture the number of instances where holds may have been applied when the young person was held in a prone position.

Secure Training Centres: Restraint Techniques

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice whether he has specified that any groups of children other than pregnant children must not be held face down on the floor in secure training centres.

Crispin Blunt: There are no techniques authorised for use in secure training centres that involve deliberately taking young people to the floor. If, in the course of a restraint, a young person deliberately takes himself or herself to the ground, then, in general, either the young person will continue to be restrained and will be brought to a standing position at the earliest opportunity, or he or she will be released. A young person must not be held on the floor for more than three minutes, after which he or she must be released. The Physical Control in Care manual makes it clear that girls who are pregnant must not be held face down on the floor. The manual also draws attention to the heightened risks of restraining other groups of young people, including those suffering from asthma, obesity, or recent head injury or who are in a psychotic state or a state of excited delirium.

Secure Training Centres: Restraint Techniques

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many times a member of staff has used the technique of the tantrum hold in each secure training centre in each of the last five years; and for what purpose in each case.

Crispin Blunt: The tantrum hold is an approved physical control in care technique, for use in extreme circumstances to prevent a young person from self-harm.
	The requested information is set out in the following table. The data have been provided by the Youth Justice Board.
	
		
			  Use of the tantrum hold in each secure training centre, 2006-10( 1) 
			   Medway  Rainsbrook  Oakhill  Hassockfield 
			 2006 8 4 47 0 
			 2007 9 9 6 0 
			 2008 6 14 0 0 
			 2009 2 5 0 0 
			 2010 (to date) 0 0 0 0 
			 Total 25 32 53 0 
			 (1) Data provided by the Youth Justice Board.

Secure Training Centres: Restraint Techniques

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 
	(1)  how many times a member of staff has used the technique of driving their straightened fingers into a child's face in each secure training centre in each of the last five years; and for what purpose in each case;
	(2)  how many times a member of staff has used the technique of raking their shoe down a child's shin, driving down onto the child's instep, in each secure training centre in each of the last five years; and for what purpose in each case.

Crispin Blunt: These techniques, called 'breakaway techniques'; can only be used lawfully by staff in self-defence, in extreme circumstances when their own safety is genuinely at risk. Data provided by the Youth Justice Board indicates that no members of staff in secure training centres have used any of these techniques in the past five years.

Secure Training Centres: Restraint Techniques

Geoffrey Cox: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice whether children with  (a) learning and  (b) other disabilities were involved in any restraint incident in each secure training centre in the last 12 months.

Crispin Blunt: Data on young people in secure training centres with learning or other disabilities who are involved in a restraint incident are not collected centrally.

Secure Training Centres: Restraint Techniques

Geoffrey Cox: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many children of each  (a) sex,  (b) age group and  (c) ethnic origin were involved in each restraint incident in each secure training centre in the last 12 months.

Crispin Blunt: Secure Training Centres are regularly inspected by Ofsted including in the use of restraint. In addition, the Youth Justice Board Monitors who work in the establishments are informed whenever restraint is used within 24 hours of the occurrence.
	Data regarding the use of restraint in secure training centres are collected by the Youth Justice Board from monthly returns by each establishment. The tables show the number of restrictive physical interventions (RPI) recorded in each secure training centre by age, ethnic origin and sex of the young person during the 12 months to March 2009. This is the most recent period for which data are available.
	Data on restrictive physical interventions by disability or by number, age, ethnic origin or sex of members of staff involved in restraint incidents are not collected centrally.
	The data have been supplied by the Youth Justice Board and have been drawn from administrative IT systems, which, as with any large scale recording system, are subject to possible errors with data entry and processing and may be subject to change over time.
	
		
			  Restrictive physical interventions by age, April 2008 to March 2009 
			   11  12  13  14  15  16  17  Total 
			 STC total 0 0 60 625 602 453 52 1,792 
			 Hassockfield 0 0 3 165 209 157 9 543 
			 Medway 0 0 23 154 106 106 27 416 
			 Oakhill 0 0 29 198 120 107 5 459 
			 Rainsbrook 0 0 5 108 167 83 11 374 
		
	
	
		
			  Restrictive physical interventions by ethnic origin, April 2008 to March 2009 
			   Asian  Black  Mixed  Other  White  Total 
			 STC total 18 256 209 1 1,308 1,792 
			 Hassockfield 3 6 68 0 466 543 
			 Medway 1 96 31 1 287 416 
			 Oakhill 9 107 86 0 257 459 
			 Rainsbrook 5 47 24 0 298 374 
		
	
	
		
			  Restrictive physical interventions by sex, April 2008 to March 2009 
			   Male  Female  Total 
			 STC total 1,132 660 1,792 
			 Hassockfield 384 159 543 
			 Medway 286 130 416 
			 Oakhill 329 130 459 
			 Rainsbrook 133 241 374

Secure Training Centres: Restraint Techniques

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many times a member of staff has used the technique of driving their inverted knuckles under a child's rib cage in each secure training centre in each of the last five years; and for what purpose in each case.

Crispin Blunt: The technique referred to in the question, involving pressure to the ribs, is one of two 'distraction techniques'. Distraction techniques are for use where a trainee is being extremely violent and it is not possible to apply one of the ordinary restraint holds without first causing the trainee to disengage. They are for use only in exceptional circumstances.
	The Youth Justice Board (YJB) has collected specific data on use of distraction techniques since April 2006. The available data, supplied by the YJB, are set out in the following table. They have been drawn from administrative IT systems, which, as with any large-scale recording system, are subject to possible errors with data entry and processing and may be subject to change over time. To discover the purpose for which the technique was used on each occasion would involve analysis of individual incident reports, which could not be done without incurring disproportionate cost.
	
		
			  Use of rib distraction technique in secure training centres, April 2006 to March 2009 
			   April 2006 to March 2007  April 2007 to March 2008  April 2008 to March 2009  Total 
			 Hassockfield 0 0 0 0 
			 Medway 2 3 0 5 
			 Oakhill 0 2 0 2 
			 Rainsbrook 0 0 0 0 
			 Total 2 5 0 7

Trade Unions

Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how much his Department and its predecessors has paid to trade unions in each year since 1997; and what estimate he has made of the monetary value of facilities provided by his Department and its predecessors for use by trade unions in each year since 1997.

Kenneth Clarke: The Ministry of Justice does not make any direct payments to trade unions.
	Facilities agreements between the Ministry of Justice and the trade union sides follow the provisions of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 and the ACAS code of practice 'Time off for trade union duties and activities' available at:
	http://www.acas.org.uk/index.aspx?articleid=2391
	The number of days that staff spent on trade union related duties and activities within the 2008-09 financial year was a maximum of 41,558. The estimated total salary cost of such activity was £6.3 million. This did not include PCS local representatives in MOJ (excluding NOMS). This figure is not known.
	The amount spent on trade union activity and on other facilities provided for use by trade unions since 1997 is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Trade Unions

Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many paid manpower hours civil servants in his Department and its predecessors spent on trade union-related duties and activities in each year since 1997.

Kenneth Clarke: Facilities agreements between the Ministry of Justice and the trade union sides follow the provisions of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 and the ACAS code of practice 'Time off for trade union duties and activities', available at:
	http://www.acas.org.uk/index.aspx?articleid=2391
	The number of paid manpower hours civil servants in the Department and its predecessors spent on trade union-related duties and activities in each year since 1997 could not be provided without incurring disproportionate cost.

Trade Unions

Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many civil servants in his Department and its predecessors spent the equivalent of  (a) five days or fewer,  (b) five to 10 days,  (c) 10 to 15 days,  (d) 15 to 20 days,  (e) 20 to 25 days and  (f) 25 days or more on trade union-related activities or duties while being paid salaries from the public purse in each year since 1997.

Kenneth Clarke: Facilities agreements between the Ministry of Justice and the trade union sides follow the provisions of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 and the ACAS code of practice 'Time off for trade union duties and activities', available at:
	http://www.acas.org.uk/index.aspx?articleid=2391
	The number of civil servants in the Department and its predecessors who spent the equivalent of  (a) five days or fewer,  (b) five to 10 days,  (c) 10 to 15 days,  (d) 15 to 20 days,  (e) 20 to 25 days and  (f) 25 days or more on trade union-related activities or duties while being paid salaries from the public purse in each year since 1997 could not be provided without incurring disproportionate cost.

Traffic Enforcement Centre

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what mechanisms are in place for the governance of the Traffic Enforcement Centre.

Jonathan Djanogly: The County Court Bulk Centre manager is responsible to maintain a sound system of internal control that supports the achievement of HMCS/CCBC policies, aims and objectives, while safeguarding the public funds and assets, and the Traffic Enforcement Centre is part of this responsibility.
	The centre manager is required to provide regular assurance to the accounting officer through his line management chain, that the system of internal control and risk management is both in place and operating effectively within the manager's responsibility. There are robust procedures that require the centre manager to provide evidence of and evaluate the controls in place.
	The centre manager is ultimately responsible to the regional director with responsibility for the civil business centres.

Witnesses

James Arbuthnot: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many intermediaries are registered by his Department.

Jonathan Djanogly: On 26 July there were 119 registered intermediaries on the Intermediary Register, the national database for the Witness Intermediary Scheme.

Witnesses: Hearing Impairment

James Arbuthnot: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many referrals have been made to his Department's intermediaries in each year since 2006; and what proportion of such referrals have been made to registered deaf intermediaries.

Jonathan Djanogly: Annual data are not available before August 2009 when the operation and management of the witness intermediary scheme's matching service was transferred to the National Policing Improvement Agency. Since then there have been 1,214 requests (referrals) for a registered intermediary, of which 19 specifically requested a deaf registered intermediary. A further 17 requests stated that the individual for whom the request was made could be assisted through the provision of a non-deaf registered intermediary with, as appropriate, Makaton or British sign language skills.
	Since the witness intermediary scheme was introduced as a pilot project in 2004, there have been over 4,000 requests made for a registered intermediary.

Witnesses: Hearing Impairment

James Arbuthnot: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many deaf intermediaries are registered with his Department.

Jonathan Djanogly: There are currently five deaf registered intermediaries on the Intermediary Register, the national database for the witness intermediary scheme.

TREASURY

Accelerated Development Zones

Pat Glass: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has for the accelerated development zones pilot programme.

Danny Alexander: I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer I gave the hon. Member for Stockton South (James Wharton) on 22 July 2010,  Official Report, column 515W.

Bank Services: Fees and Charges

Gregg McClymont: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he plans to bring forward proposals to achieve the commitment in the Coalition Agreement to introduce measures to end unfair bank and financial transaction charges; and if he will make a statement.

Mark Hoban: The Government stated in the coalition agreement that
	"we will introduce stronger consumer protections, including measures to end unfair bank and financial transaction charges".
	We are considering how best to implement this commitment and will bring forward proposals in due course.
	More widely, the Government will legislate to establish a new Consumer Protection and Markets Authority so that the interests of consumers of financial services are placed at the heart of the regulatory system and given the priority they deserve. And the Independent Commission on Banking will look at the structure of banking in the UK, the state of competition in the industry and how customers and taxpayers can be sure of the best deal.

Building Societies

Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent assessment he has made of the effects on building societies of the implementation of the proposal to equalise the terms of depositor protection of members in respect of merging building societies at the time of merger.

Mark Hoban: Since December 2008 there has been an extension of financial services compensation scheme coverage where two building societies merge, ensuring that where members have deposits in each society, those deposits are protected, in effect up to £100,000 (£50,000 limit per person, per merging society). This gives them the opportunity to move their money elsewhere if they wish and protects the newly merged society from a sudden withdrawal of deposits. The FSA recently announced the extension of this rule to cover mergers taking effect before 30 December 2010.

Building Societies: Regulation

Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will bring forward proposals to strengthen the regulatory framework for building societies.

Mark Hoban: The building society sector has an important role to play within UK financial services and is a key player within the mutual sector. The Government are committed to promoting the financial mutual sector to foster diversity and competition within the financial services industry, and is currently considering how best to achieve this.

Capital Gains Tax

Andrew George: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the likely effects on the residential letting sector of increasing the rate of capital gains tax.

David Gauke: The likely effect on the residential letting sector of increasing the rate of capital gains tax was estimated to be small.

Capital Gains Tax

Adrian Sanders: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what further plans he has for implementing his policy of taxing non-business capital gains at rates similar or close to those applied to income.

David Gauke: The Chancellor announced in the Budget on 22 June that capital gains tax would rise to 28% for those with total income and taxable gains above the higher rate income tax threshold. The Government are not planning to revisit this decision in this Parliament.

Cheques

Andrew Selous: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to his oral answer of 8 July 2010,  Official Report, column 518, on banking, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that alternatives to the cheque guarantee card are in place; whether he expects such alternatives to be in place by 30 June 2011; and if he will make a statement.

Mark Hoban: Alternatives to the cheque guarantee card, such as cash and debit and credit cards, are already in place. Consumers will still be able to write cheques and businesses can continue to accept them even after the guarantee scheme's withdrawal.

Child Benefit

Barbara Keeley: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 15 July 2010,  Official Report, column 912W, on child benefit, for what reasons he provided a reference to a web page rather than the figures requested; and what assessment he has made of the compliance of the answer with Cabinet Office guidance on the answering of parliamentary questions for written answer.

David Gauke: It has been the practice of successive Administrations to refer Members to publications and other source documents from which information they are seeking can be extracted.

Consumer Price Index

Annette Brooke: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent research his Department has undertaken on the use of the Consumer Price Index to measure the rate of inflation.

Justine Greening: The scope and definition of the consumer price index (CPI) is for the independent Office for National Statistics (ONS). The CPI is consistent with the harmonised index of consumer prices (HICP) that is specified in a series of European regulations. The ONS undertake research to maintain and improve consumer price indices.
	The Chancellor confirmed at Budget that the independent Monetary Policy Committee of the Bank of England will continue to target 2% inflation, as measured by the 12-month increase in the CPI.

Corporation Tax

Susan Elan Jones: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment has been made of the effects of the proposed reduction in the small profits rate of corporation tax on  (a) small businesses and  (b) manufacturers.

David Gauke: The estimated impact on the Exchequer of the reduction in the small profits rate of corporation tax is set out in 'Budget 2010 Policy Costings', which was published alongside the Budget and is available at:
	http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/d/junebudget_costings.pdf
	Around 850,000 companies across all sectors will benefit from the reduction in the small profits rate of corporation tax to 20% from April 2011. This includes at least 50,000 companies in the manufacturing sector.

Departmental Buildings

Graham Evans: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much  (a) his Department and  (b) its agencies and non-departmental public bodies spent on office refurbishment in each year since 1997.

Justine Greening: HM Treasury-a full PFI refurbishment of the Treasury's building was completed in 2002. The cost of any refurbishments since that date have been included in the annual unitary payment made to the PFI provider and is not separately recorded. As a result of the introduction of a new accounting system in 2002-03, provision of information prior to that date could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
	Debt Management Office-information prior to 2002-03 is not available due to the introduction of a new accounting system. The available information is shown in the following table:
	
		
			  £000 
			 2002-03 53 
			 2003-04 2 
			 2004-05 3 
			 2005-06 0 
			 2006-07 35 
			 2007-08 3 
			 2008-09 70 
			 2009-10 11 
		
	
	The Asset Protection Agency and the Royal Mint Advisory Committee have no record of any spending on office refurbishment.

Departmental Catering

Graham Evans: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much his Department spent on catering in each year from 1997 to 2009.

Justine Greening: The Treasury's accounting system does not separately identify catering spending and the information could not be provided within the disproportionate costs threshold.
	Public spending data from the COINS database for the years 2005-06 to 2009-10 inclusive was published on 4 June.

Departmental Internet

Graham Evans: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much  (a) his Department and  (b) its agencies and non-departmental public bodies spent on website design in each year since 1997.

Justine Greening: The available information on spending by HM Treasury and the Debt Management Office (DMO) on website design since 2002-03, when a new accounting system was introduced, is shown in the following table.
	
		
			  £000 
			   HMT  DMO 
			 2003-04 0 85 
			 2004-05 22 220 
			 2005-06 0 210 
			 2006-07 0 25 
			 2007-08 0 0 
			 2008-09 0 0 
			 2009-10 8 0 
		
	
	Neither the Asset Protection Agency nor the Royal Mint Advisory Committee have incurred any spending on website design.

Departmental Internet

Angela Eagle: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he has taken to ensure that his Department's Spending Challenge website complies with minimum standards of accessibility.

Justine Greening: The Spending Challenge website was built and implemented as a joint exercise between No 10, Cabinet Office, Directgov, HM Treasury and a private sector partner called Delib. HM Treasury facilitated access to the Spending Challenge website via its own departmental site.
	The Spending Challenge website was built to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. It conforms to level AA, meaning the website is accessible to most users. This was validated using both manual tests and automated tools. It also went though a series of tests with users, including people with disabilities.

Departmental Internet

Angela Eagle: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he has taken to ensure that his Department's Your Freedom website complies with minimum standards of accessibility.

Nicholas Clegg: I have been asked to reply.
	The Your Freedom application went though a series of tests with users including people with disabilities to make sure it met the minimum AA web accessibility standards. In addition, the supplier tested those elements that were specific to 'Your Freedom' using both manual tests and automated tools. Because the planned brand colours were found not to meet accessibility standards after initial testing they were replaced with a colour palate that did.

Departmental Legal Costs

Graham Evans: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much  (a) his Department and  (b) its agencies and non-departmental public bodies spent on legal advice in each year since 1997.

Justine Greening: The following table sets out the available information on spending on legal advice for HM Treasury, the Debt Management Office (DMO) and the Asset Protection Agency (APA).
	
		
			  £000 
			   HMT  DMO  APA 
			 2002-03 n/a 70 n/a 
			 2003-04 n/a 81 n/a 
			 2004-05 2,701 64 n/a 
			 2005-06 3,306 78 n/a 
			 2006-07 2,412 93 n/a 
			 2007-08 2,650 57 n/a 
			 2008-09 10,445 43 n/a 
			 2009-10 17,742 136 89 
		
	
	Legal costs for HM Treasury were not separately identified within the accounting system prior to 2004-05 and could not be provided without incurring disproportionate costs.
	Information for DMO prior to 2002-03 is not available due to the introduction of a new accounting system at that time. Data on legal spending are not available by purpose but the figures quoted will be mostly advisory costs.
	Data for the newly formed APA are only available from 2009-10.
	The Royal Mint Advisory Committee did not incur any legal costs for the period in question.

Departmental Official Cars

Ian Austin: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  what his estimate is of the mileage travelled by each Minister in his Department in a Government car in  (a) May and  (b) June 2010;
	(2)  how many miles each Minister in his Department travelled in a Government car in  (a) May and  (b) June 2010.

Justine Greening: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport on 13 July,  Official Report, column 624W.

Departmental Public Consultation

Angela Eagle: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he has taken to ensure that people without internet access can participate in his Department's Spending Challenge.

Danny Alexander: Those without internet access, or those who do not wish to participate in the Spending Challenge online, can write to the Treasury directly, or through their MP in the normal way. Letters that pertain to the Spending Challenge are then being fed into the wider process set up to capture the ideas that the Spending Challenge is generating and feed them through to the relevant Spending Departments.

Departmental Security

Graham Evans: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much  (a) his Department and  (b) its agencies and non-departmental public bodies spent on security in each year since 1997.

Justine Greening: The information requested is as follows:
	 HM Treasury
	A full PFI refurbishment of the Treasury's building was completed in 2002. The cost of any physical security for the building since that date has been included in the annual unitary payment made to the PFI provider and is not separately recorded.
	 Debt Management Office and Asset Protection Agency
	Physical security of the leased office accommodation is charged as part of the quarterly service charge and is not separately identifiable without incurring disproportionate costs.
	Identifiable security costs are shown in the following table.
	
		
			  Financial year  HM Treasury  Debt Management Office 
			 2003-04 16 6 
			 2004-05 35 5 
			 2005-06 289 2 
			 2006-07 38 2 
			 2007-08 63 2 
			 2008-09 78 3 
			 2009-10 102 2 
		
	
	The Royal Mint Advisory Committee does not incur any security costs.

Departmental Training

Graham Evans: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much his  (a) Department and  (b) its agencies and non-departmental public bodies spent on employee training in each year since 1997.

Justine Greening: The available information is shown in the following table.
	
		
			  £000 
			   HMT  DMO  APA 
			 1997-98 n/a n/a n/a 
			 1998-99 n/a n/a n/a 
			 1999-2000 n/a n/a n/a 
			 2000-01 n/a n/a n/a 
			 2001-02 n/a n/a n/a 
			 2002-03 1,848 94 n/a 
			 2003-04 1,708 133 n/a 
			 2004-05 1,574 139 n/a 
			 2005-06 1,803 104 n/a 
			 2006-07 1,621 76 n/a 
			 2007-08 1,888 111 n/a 
			 2008-09 2,139 143 n/a 
			 2009-10 2,252 124 1 
		
	
	For HM Treasury and the Debt Management Office (DMO), information on spending prior to 2002-03 is not available due to the introduction of a new accounting system in that year.
	Data for the newly formed Asset Protection Agency (APA) are only available for 2009-10.
	The Royal Mint Advisory Committee has not incurred any spending in the period in question.

Equitable Life Assurance Society: Compensation

Tessa Munt: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what requests he has received from the Equitable Members Action Group for information on Head A calculations; what information he has provided in response; and if he will make a statement.

Mark Hoban: In response to requests for greater transparency, on 22 July 2010, I published alongside Sir John Chadwick's final advice on the losses suffered by policyholders. Published alongside this was the actuarial advice provided to Sir John during the course of his work and a letter from Towers Watson setting out a range of loss figures that follow from Sir John's report.

Health Foods

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his definition is of foodstuffs with a medicinal value.

David Gauke: Under VAT legislation, food and medicines come under separate zero rates. There is therefore no need to provide a separate definition for foodstuffs with a medicinal value.

Housing Benefit

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer with reference to the 2010 Budget, what assessment he has made of the likely effects on low-income groups of the proposed changes to housing benefits.

Steve Webb: I have been asked to reply.
	The Department published an equality impact assessment on 'Changes to the Local Housing Allowance arrangements and Housing Benefit size criteria for people with non-resident overnight carers' and a separate document on 'Impacts of Housing Benefit proposals: Changes to the Local Housing Allowance' to be introduced in 2011-12 on 23 July 2010.
	A copy of these has been placed in the Library.

Income Tax

Edward Timpson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many and what percentage of  (a) men and  (b) women who pay income tax pay it at the (i) basic rate, (ii) higher rate and (iii) additional rate.

David Gauke: The requested information for 2010-11 is provided in the following table.
	
		
			   Males  Females 
			  Taxpayer  Number (thousand)  Percentage  Number (thousand)  Percentage 
			 Starting rate for 10p savings 70 0.5 150 1 
			 Basic rate 14,800 85 12,200 93.5 
			 Higher rate 2,340 13.5 670 5 
			 Additional rate 240 1.5 40 0.5 
			 Total number of taxpayers 17,400  13,100  
		
	
	These estimates have been produced using HMRC Personal Tax Model, based on 2007-08 Survey of Personal Incomes data projected to 2010-11 using the Office for Budget Responsibility's economic assumptions for this June 2010 Budget.

Income Tax: Females

Edward Timpson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many and what proportion of people who will no longer pay income tax as a result of the implementation of the measures in the June 2010 Budget are women.

David Gauke: The personal allowance for under 65s will be increased by £1,000 in April 2011, with the gains limited to basic rate taxpayers. We estimate that the 880,000 lowest income taxpayers will be removed from tax altogether, of which 59% are females.
	This estimate is calculated using HMRC Personal Tax Model, based on 2007-08 Survey of Personal Incomes data projected to 2011-12 using June 2010 Budget economic assumptions.

National Insurance Fund

Adrian Sanders: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has for the future level of the national insurance fund; and what recent discussions he has had with the Government Actuary on that matter.

David Gauke: The Government plans for the National Insurance Fund to bear a proper relationship in the longer term to demands in respect of payment of benefits.
	Ministers receive advice from the Government Actuary in the ordinary course of business. The report of the Government Actuary required by the Social Security Administration Act 1992 on the effect of changes announced in the Emergency Budget will be laid before Parliament with the associated draft legislation in due course.

Non-domestic Rates: Garages and Petrol Stations

Charlie Elphicke: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many appeals against Valuation Office Agency rating assessments by independent petrol filling stations remain outstanding from the 2005 Valuation Office Agency revaluation scheme; and how many such appeals have been lodged since 1 April 2010 in respect of the 2010 revaluation scheme.

David Gauke: The Valuation Office Agency's (VOA) primary aim is to ensure that rating assessments are accurate and fair. Where possible, it aims to reach agreement on what constitutes fair and accurate valuation schemes through discussions with the relevant ratepayers or their representatives. Where this is not possible, ratepayers may raise proposals (appeals) against the rating lists.
	The number of rating proposals outstanding relating to petrol filling stations (excluding those with supermarkets) is provided in the following table.
	
		
			  Proposals relating to petrol filling stations against the 2005 and 2010 rating lists 
			   2005 rating lists as at 31 March 2010  2010 rating lists as at 30 June 2010 
			 England 1,579 1,966 
			 Wales 93 110 
			 Total 1,672 2,076 
		
	
	The VOA is not required to hold details of the name of the occupier of individual properties and so is not able to say how many of these outstanding proposals relate to petrol filling stations occupied by independent petrol retailers.
	Data on proposals made against the 2010 rating lists has not been published, and so the above data have been taken from the VOA's operational database.
	Proposals to alter a rating list can be made on several grounds; these include that the complied list valuation is incorrect; that a notice to alter the list is incorrect; for deletion of the entry in the list; or there has been a material change of circumstances that has affected the property. The numbers provided are for all grounds of appeal.
	Where the ratepayer and the Valuation Officer cannot agree on the correct rateable value, the appeal will be heard before the independent Valuation Tribunal. If the ratepayer is still dissatisfied with the outcome, then there is a right to make an appeal to the Lands Tribunal.

Nuclear Power Stations: Decommissioning

William Cash: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer on what occasions his Department received representations on the cost to the public purse of nuclear decommissioning as a proportion of net public sector  (a) borrowing and  (b) debt in the last two years; from whom each such representation was received; and if he will place in the Library a copy of his Department's response in each case.

Danny Alexander: holding answer 7 June 2010
	Treasury Ministers and officials regularly discuss funding for nuclear decommissioning with interested parties. No specific representations have been received to the date regarding the effect of the cost of nuclear decommissioning on fiscal aggregates such as public sector net debt or public sector net borrowing.

Office for Tax Simplification

William Bain: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many officials from his Department will be working directly for the Office for Tax Simplification.

David Gauke: Michael Jack and John Whiting, who are leading the office for the first year, will be supported by a small secretariat to be appointed over the summer. This will include three officials from HM Treasury and HM Revenue and Customs in addition to externally funded secondees.

Office for Tax Simplification

William Bain: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the cost of setting up the Office for Tax Simplification.

David Gauke: The Office of Tax Simplification is being fully established over the summer. The set up costs for the office are estimated to be £30,000 and mainly consist of accommodation, IT and recruitment. They will be met from within existing Treasury and HMRC budgets for 2010-11.

Overseas Trade: Israel

Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much revenue the Government collected from the  (a) importation and  (b) sale in the UK of goods sourced, packaged or grown on Israeli settlements which the UN has declared illegal in each year since 2000; and if he will make a statement.

David Gauke: The Government are unable to provide the information requested. The Israeli Settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories do not have a separate country code. Consequently, it is not possible for HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to separately identify imports from the Israeli Settlements. However, since 2000 HMRC has issued demands for around £482,000 customs duty on approximately 1,000 consignments of products imported into the UK from Settlements where preferential tariff rates under the EC-Israel Association Agreement had been incorrectly claimed.

Overseas Trade: Israel

Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will review the licensing process for the importation of goods sourced, packaged or grown on Israeli settlements which the UN has declared illegal for the purpose of preventing the licensing of such goods.

David Gauke: The European Commission has responsibility for the licensing system and would, as such, initiate and undertake any review. The Commission last examined the rules for agricultural products in 2008. The Government cannot take unilateral action to review, amend or alter the processes and requirements for issuing import licences for goods imported from the Israeli settlements.

Personal Loans

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the change in the level of household  (a) borrowing and  (b) debt as a result of the June 2010 Budget by the end of 2011.

Mark Hoban: holding answer 19 July 2010
	The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Chairman of the Office for Budget Responsibility, who has been asked to reply.
	 Letter from Sir Alan Budd, dated 23 July 2010:
	As Chair of the Budget Responsibility Committee of the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) I have been asked to reply to your recent question:
	To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate he has made of the change in the level of household (a) borrowing and (b) debt as a result of the June 2010 Budget by the end of 2011. (9507)
	We have published forecasts for household consumption and the saving ratio in the June Budget document. The saving ratio remains close to historic averages through 2010 and 2011, meaning that consumption growth is close to that of income over the period.
	The specific information that you have requested on household borrowing and debt has not yet been published. In accordance with our publication procedure, (which is available on our website at:
	http://budgetresponsibility.independent.gov.uk/d/interim_release_process.pdf
	We will release the supplementary information that you have requested on 19 August 2010, at 11am. This information will be published on the OBR website, and copies of all published material will be placed in the Library of the House.

Police: Lambeth

Chuka Umunna: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what effect implementation of the measures proposed in the June 2010 Budget will have on police numbers in (a) the London Borough of Lambeth and  (b) Streatham constituency.

Nick Herbert: I have been asked to reply.
	Decisions about the number of police officers, police community support officers and other police staff engaged by the Metropolitan Police Service and how they are deployed to each of the London boroughs and to specialist units is a matter for the Commissioner (Sir Paul Stephenson) and Metropolitan Police Authority. The future funding settlement for the police will be determined by the spending review which will not be known until October this year.

Pregnant Women: Grants

Barbara Keeley: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many health in pregnancy grants were made in the area now covered by Worsley and Eccles South constituency in 2009-10.

David Gauke: The information is only available at disproportionate cost.

Premium Bonds

Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent assessment he has made of the merits of increasing the £30,000 maximum holding for Premium Bonds.

Mark Hoban: On 12 May 2003 the maximum holding limit for Premium Bonds increased from 20,000 Bonds (£20,000) to a limit of 30,000 Bonds (£30,000). The limit of £20,000 was set ten years prior, on 13 April 1993.
	The maximum limit was increased in response to high customer demand for NS&I to do so.
	Currently, the average Premium Bond holding is £1,763-this includes customers who hold the minimum £1 as well as customers who hold the maximum limit of £30,000. There are 477,020 Premium Bond holders out of a total of 23,648,498 holders who hold the maximum £30,000 investment limit, which represents 2.0% of this total. 46.6% of customers hold the minimum value.
	These statistics, as at July 2010, show that there are only a small percentage of total Premium Bond holders who hold the maximum investment limit; therefore at this stage there are no plans to make changes to the limit. However, we regularly review the structure of the Premium Bonds scheme, and would make changes if appropriate.

Public Expenditure: Scotland

Ann McKechin: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what effect implementation of the proposals in the Department of Health's White Paper on NHS reform will have on the amount of money made available under the Barnett formula for Scotland.

Danny Alexander: Health policy in Scotland is devolved to the Scottish Executive so it is for the Scottish Executive to determine its own policy. Funding for the NHS in England will be determined in the Spending Review. In Scotland it will be for the Scottish Executive to determine health spending within the overall Scottish block budget to be determined in the Spending Review in the usual way.

Public Expenditure: Wales

Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he plans to respond to the final report of the Independent Commission on Funding and Finance for Wales; and if he will make a statement.

Danny Alexander: The Independent Commission on Funding and Finance for Wales' final report is a report to the Welsh Assembly Government, not to HM Government. However the Treasury looks forward to studying the report and discussing it with the Welsh Assembly Government.

Public Finance

Gordon Banks: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the effect on the level of unemployment of the recently announced reductions in public spending.

Danny Alexander: holding answer 22 June 2010
	To continue with the previous fiscal plans would put the recovery at risk. The Governor of the Bank of England has said:
	"The bigger risk at present, given the experience of the last two weeks, would be for a new government not to put in place clear and credible measures to deal with the fiscal deficit."
	By acting now, the Government have reduced the risk of adverse market conditions, which would mean higher interest rates for all, stifle recovery and make the challenges ahead even harder.
	Comparisons between the pre-Budget and Budget forecast may be misleading as both are based on market expectations of interest rates. The OBR forecasts that unemployment will come down from 8.1% this year, falling in every year to 6.1% in 2015.

Public Sector: Pensions

Anne McGuire: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assumptions the Office for Budget responsibility used of employer contributions to each of the four main public sector pension schemes in  (a) 2010,  (b) 2011,  (c) 2012,  (d) 2013,  (e) 2014 and  (f) 2015 in its forecast; and whether these assumed rates took account of cap and share changes.

Justine Greening: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the chairman of the Office for Budget Responsibility, who has been asked to reply.
	 Letter from Sir Alan Budd, dated 26 July 2010:
	As Chair of the Budget Responsibility Committee of the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) I have been asked to reply to your recent question asking:
	What assumptions the Office of Budgetary Regulation used of employer contributions to each of the four main public sector pension schemes in (a) 2010, (b) 2011, (c) 2012, (d) 2013, (e) 2014 and (f) 2015 in its forecast; and whether these assumed rates took account of cap and share changes. (10973)
	Following requests for supplementary information on its forecasts, the Office for Budget Responsibility is due to release the information concerning employer contributions to the public service pension schemes on its website
	http://budgetresponsibility.independent.gov.uk/publications.html
	on 19 August 2010. This is consistent with the interim OBR's release policy
	http://budgetresponsibility.independent.gov.uk/d/interim_release_process.pdf
	Copies of the published material will also be placed in the Library of the House.
	These forecast contributions do not take account of the effect of 'cap and share' changes. As illustrated in Table 2.3 of 'Budget 2010: The economy and public finances - supplementary material June 2010' (available here:
	http://budgetresponsibility.independent.gov.uk/d/junebudget_supplementary_material.pdf
	'cap and share' is separate from the income to pension schemes. The effect of 'cap and share' changes is estimated as a £1 billion increase to pension scheme receipts from 2012-13 onwards.

Rents: Hackney

Meg Hillier: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what information his Department holds on rent levels in the London Borough of Hackney.

David Gauke: The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) collects and holds rental information on domestic property as part of its statutory function to provide determinations for housing benefit and to publish monthly local housing allowance rates. The VOA aggregates information within Broad Rental Market Areas (BRMAs) and not by local authority.
	The London borough of Hackney sits across three BRMAs (Inner East London, Central London and Inner North London). The local housing allowance rates determined for the month of July 2010 were based on 10,657 pieces of rental information across these three BRMAs. Historic domestic property rental information collected by rent officers is also held by the VOA.
	The LHA-Direct website at:
	https://lha-direct.voa.gov.uk/Secure/Default.aspx
	includes graphical representations of the rents used to determine the three BRMAs that cover Hackney.
	Additionally the Valuation Office Agency holds rental information on non-domestic property, from several sources, to support its statutory functions.

Revenue and Customs: Debt Collection

Adrian Sanders: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of  (a) HM Revenue and Customs staff and  (b) private debt collection agencies in collecting unpaid taxes on behalf of HM Revenue and Customs.

David Gauke: As set out in HMRC's 2009-10 annual accounts the total level of receivables at the end of March 2010 was £26.1 billion, compared to £27.7 billion as at 31 March 2009-a reduction of 5.8%.
	Receivables represent amounts due from taxpayers in respect of established liabilities at the end of the reporting period for which payment has not been received.
	The Comptroller and Auditor General's report on HMRC's 2009-10 accounts, which discusses HMRC's debt management operations, is available at:
	http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/about/hmrc-accs-0910.pdf
	HMRC's evaluation summary of last year's small scale pilot exercise designed to explore the benefits and risks of using private debt collection agencies to recover some types of debts is available at:
	http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/about/cap-cap-pilot.pdf
	The Government announced in the June 2010 Budget that HMRC will be using debt collection agencies this year to collect £140 million of additional revenue from existing tax debts.

Revenue and Customs: ICT

Tom Greatrex: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what upgrading to HM Revenue and Customs' systems for income assessment and tax collection is in progress; and when he expects the upgrade to be completed.

David Gauke: There are many IT systems that support the assessment and collection of income tax, all of which are in a cycle of continuous upgrade driven by a combination of:
	Legislative and budget related change;
	Operational efficiency; and
	Technical refresh and updating.
	Much, but not all of that, particularly the change driven by legislation, budget changes and operational efficiency, is introduced in major IT releases each year. They are in the autumn (usually a weekend in October/November) and on 6 April. The changes within both those releases in 2010-11 are on track to complete on time.
	The Government are publishing a discussion paper on potential reform of the PAYE system today.

Roads: Repairs and Maintenance

Iain Wright: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much funding he plans to make available to local authorities for the repair and maintenance of potholes in roads for which they are responsible.

Danny Alexander: I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer given by the Under-Secretary of State for Transport, the hon. Member for Lewes (Norman Baker) on 30 June 2010,  Official Report, column 554W.

Sheffield Forgemasters: Finance

Edward Miliband: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent representations he has received on a private sector alternative to a Government loan to Sheffield Forgemasters.

Mark Hoban: Since 6 May 2010, the Treasury has not received any representations on a private sector alternative to a Government loan to Sheffield Forgemasters.

Tax Allowances: Video Games

Robert Flello: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the effect on tax receipts of a tax relief on the UK games industry.

David Gauke: The estimated fiscal impact of policy decisions made in the Emergency Budget were published in the Budget 2010 policy costings document:
	http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/junebudget_costings.htm

Tax Evasion: Construction

Richard Harrington: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of progress in the implementation of the conclusions of his Department's consultation on the reports of False self-employment in construction: taxation of workers, July 2009; and if he will make a statement.

David Gauke: The previous Government consulted on proposals for a legislative test to determine the employment status of workers in the construction industry for tax and NICs purposes. The Government have decided to explore with interest groups whether it is possible to achieve a legislative solution that is effective, fair and workable.

Taxation

Brian Binley: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his most recent assessment is of the application of the Rees rules on the introduction of retrospective legislation in light of the announcement by HM Revenue and Customs on employment loss planning on 1 April 2009; and if he will make a statement.

David Gauke: The Government are, in general, opposed to retrospective legislation and believe that a very strong case has to be made where legislation is to have retrospective effect. The schemes counteracted by the HM Revenue and Customs announcement of 1 April 2009 were particularly aggressive and artificial and the Joint Committee on Human Rights last year concluded that the former Government's backdating of action was justifiable in this instance and did not contravene the European Convention on Human Rights.
	The Government are committed to reforming the tax system to make it more competitive, simpler, greener and fairer. How it legislates and implements tax policy is key to this reform. The Government have issued a discussion document 'Tax policy making: a new approach' and is engaging with interested parties on the issues explored in that document.

Taxation: Betting Shops

Philip Davies: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate has been made of the effect on revenues accrued by the Exchequer of online betting firms relocating offshore in the latest period for which figures are available.

Justine Greening: In total general betting duty typically raises around £350 million to £400 million per annum. When making changes to the tax, the Government consider the likely impact on the sector and wider economy.
	A complete assessment of the impact on tax of online firms relocating offshore is not available. The Government have noted the steps taken by some bookmakers to move their online betting operations offshore and are keeping this under review.

VAT

Susan Elan Jones: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate has been made of the administrative cost to small businesses of implementing the proposed rise in the standard rate of value added tax.

David Gauke: The costs to business of the increase in the standard rate of VAT are set out in the Impact Assessment published alongside the June Budget 2010. This is available from the HM Treasury website at:
	http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/d/junebudget_impact_assessments.pdf

VAT: Electric Vehicles

Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his policy is on the application of value added tax to electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

David Gauke: Electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles attract the same VAT treatment as conventional equivalent vehicles. No distinction is made on the basis of the way in which a vehicle is powered.

VAT: Pet Foods

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  for what reasons value added tax is levied on packaged pet foods;
	(2)  what assessment he has made of the merits of exempting packaged pet food from value added tax.

David Gauke: Value added tax (VAT) is designed to be a broad-based tax, charged on goods and services supplied in the course of business unless they are specifically relieved from the tax by zero-rating or exemption.
	Foods for animals reared for human consumption are generally zero-rated, but VAT law has always excluded most other animal food items from this relief. These exclusions include canned, packaged or prepared pet foods, packaged foods for birds other than poultry or game, and biscuits and meal for cats and dogs.
	Agreements with our EU partners prevent us from extending the scope of existing exemptions or zero rates, or introducing new ones. The Government could not therefore exempt pet foods from VAT; no assessment has been made of the merits of doing so.

Welfare Tax Credits

Helen Goodman: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the number of households which will lose income as a result of the implementation of his proposals to  (a) reduce the tax credit second income threshold to £40,000,  (b) increase the first and second withdrawal rate to 41 per cent.,  (c) taper the family element of child tax credit immediately after the child element,  (d) remove the baby element of child tax credit,  (e) remove the 50 plus element of working tax credit,  (f) reverse the child tax credit supplement for children aged one and two years,  (g) reduce the income disregard from (i) £25,000 to £10,000, and (ii) £10,000 to £5,000,  (h) introduce an income disregard of £2,500 for falls in income, and  (i) reduce the backdating of tax credits for changes of circumstances from three months to one month in each year from 2011-12 to 2014-15; and what estimate he has made of the average change in total household income consequent on the implementation of each such proposal in each such year (A) in cash and (B) real terms.

David Gauke: holding answer 30 June 2010
	I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 28 June,  Official Report, column 460W.

Welfare Tax Credits: Overpayments

David Anderson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  vhow many tax credit overpayments have been written off in circumstances where claimants were diagnosed with mental health and related illnesses in each of the last three years;
	(2)  whether HM Revenue and Customs has discretion to write off tax credit overpayments in circumstances where claimants have been diagnosed with mental health and related illnesses.

David Gauke: HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) does not separately record the information requested.
	Code of Practice 26 'What happens if we have paid you too much tax credit?' sets out how HMRC deal with overpayments of tax credit. If a customer, or more likely their representative, contacts HMRC and advises them that they are suffering from a mental health problem, then HMRC staff will deal with these cases carefully and sympathetically and in some circumstances will agree not to pursue the claimant for payment.

Working Families Tax Credit

Bob Russell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many cases concerning working family tax credits were raised with  (a) his Department and  (b) HM Revenue and Customs by each hon. Member between May 2005 and May 2010.

Justine Greening: Working tax credits (WTC) and child tax credit (CTC) replaced working families' and disabled person's tax credits (WFTC and DPTC) in April 2003.
	Information about the number of WTC and CTC cases raised by each right hon. and hon. Member with HM Treasury and HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), in the format requested, is available only at disproportionate cost.
	Between 1 May 2005 and 31 May 2010 my right hon. and hon. Members wrote to HMRC Benefits & Credits Operations (formerly Tax Credit Office) about approximately 32,000 cases and tax credits MP Helpline advisers handled around 66,500 calls from Members and their caseworkers.
	In the same period, right hon. and hon. Members sent around 19,500 letters to Treasury Ministers and HMRC Executive Committee members.
	Information on letters from hon. Members received in other areas of HMRC about tax credits in the specified period is not available.

INDEPENDENT PARLIAMENTARY STANDARDS AUTHORITY COMMITTEE

Complaints

Helen Jones: To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, how many complaints the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority has received in respect of incorrect advice given to hon. Members by its staff; and what steps the Authority has taken in consequence of such complaints.

Charles Walker: I have been informed by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority that the Chief Executive's office has investigated 16 official complaints since 7 May. These complaints are not recorded by type. Where a Member has identified incorrect advice, IPSA has said it will take steps to ensure that correct advice is given in future.

Correspondence

Anne Main: To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, whether the Inter-government Despatch Service may be used to send correspondence to the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority.

Charles Walker: IPSA is able to receive correspondence sent via Government Mail.

IPSA: Board

Glenda Jackson: To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, how many times the Board of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority has met; how many times it will meet in the next 12 months; and if the Authority will publish the agendas and minutes of such meetings.

Charles Walker: The IPSA Board has met on 17 occasions since its first meeting of 4 December 2009. 12 of these meetings constituted formal board meetings for which minutes and agendas are prepared. The minutes of these meetings, which include the agendas, are made available on the IPSA website once the minutes have been agreed by the IPSA Board.
	Ordinarily the IPSA Board meets at least once every month and intends to do so over the next 12 months, with the exception of August 2010.

Members' Staff: Pay

Grahame Morris: To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, what estimate the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority has made of the cost to the public purse of publishing the  (a) salary details of staff of hon. Members in £5,000 bands and  (b) precise salary details of staff of hon. Members who are connected parties in 2010-11.

Charles Walker: The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority has informed me that no estimate has been made of the cost to the public purse of publishing salary details of MPs' staff. However, any cost is expected to be minimal as it is a straightforward transaction. Following a recently closed consultation, it is no longer proposed to publish precise salary details of staff who are connected parties.

Members' Staff: Pay

Andrew Turner: To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, what criteria the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority uses to determine the constituencies eligible for additional funding to pay for staff of hon. Members; and which constituencies have been so designated.

Charles Walker: No constituencies have been determined to be eligible for additional funding to pay for staff.
	IPSA has, however, confirmed to MPs that, for staff members who were employed before 7 May 2010, IPSA will honour their existing contracting arrangements, including their salaries. In addition, where Members are finding difficulty in staying within budget, they can seek extra support from IPSA by providing it with evidence of their requirements. IPSA will consider that evidence and decide whether the MP should be able to operate with a higher budget for this financial year.

Members: Allowances

Ann McKechin: To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, what procedures the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority will adopt to reimburse hon. Members for London Area Living Allowance for the period between the date of the General Election and the date on which the initial claim for that allowance was submitted.

Charles Walker: The MPs' expenses scheme does not allow the London Area Living Payment to be paid in respect of any period before IPSA is notified that an MP intends to claim it. Consequently, IPSA is not able to backdate any such claims to the date of the general election.
	[Pursuant to the original answer published on 14 July 2010,  Official Report, column 812W, IPSA has provided me with some additional information.]
	IPSA has decided to exercise discretion in the operation of the rule described in the original answer.
	Where a Member informed IPSA of their intent to claim before 15 June 2010, they will have their claim backdated to 7 May. Where a Member informed IPSA of their intent to claim after this date, their claim will be backdated only to the date they informed IPSA.
	This acknowledges that Members would not have been able to submit a claim for LALP before they were provided with access to the online expenses system.

Members: Allowances

Ann McKechin: To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, pursuant to the answer of 14 July 2010,  Official Report, column 812W, on Members: allowances, for what reasons some hon. Members have been advised by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) that claims can be backdated to the date of election; and by what methods an hon. Member was able to submit such a claim before being provided access to IPSA's IT system for claims.

Charles Walker: Under the MPs' expenses scheme, LALP is not payable in relation to any period before notification is given to IPSA that the MP intends to claim it.
	However, IPSA has decided to exercise discretion in the operation of the rule, so that where a Member informed IPSA of their intent to claim before 15 June 2010, they will have their claim backdated to 7 May. Where a member informed IPSA of their intent to claim after this date, their claim will be backdated only to the date they informed IPSA.
	This acknowledges that Members would not have been able to submit a claim for LALP before they were provided with access to the online expenses system.

Members: Claims

Graham Allen: To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, if the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority will take steps to ensure that each notification of reimbursement to Members identifies the invoice or invoices in respect of which the reimbursement is being made.

Charles Walker: The IPSA remittance advice note or notification of the expense claim payment does identify the invoice or invoices in respect of which reimbursement is being made. The note identifies all correspondence to a unique reference number. This number is created by a MP or his or her proxy when they enter a claim in the Expenses@Work system.

Members: Claims

Glenda Jackson: To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, how much was claimed by hon. Members from the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority for expenditure incurred in June 2010; and how much had been paid to hon. Members in reimbursement for such claims as at 12 July 2010.

Charles Walker: According to the claims submitted using the online expenses system, in June 2010 hon. Members incurred expenses worth £832,111.50. Many of the claims for these expenses were not submitted until July and are either awaiting the submission of receipts, awaiting validation or have been passed for payment. Up to 12 July 2010, £218,240.80 of this amount had been paid to hon. Members, and claims worth £28,217.28 were returned to hon. Members for further explanation.

Members: Constituency Offices

Anne McIntosh: To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, for what reason the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority does not allow items relating to the constituency office of an hon. Member to be charged to the budget allocated for this purpose; and if he will make a statement.

Charles Walker: The basis of IPSA's scheme is that Members should receive expenses for costs actually and reasonably incurred. Members can submit claims for costs incurred for the performance of parliamentary functions relating to their constituency office and surgeries from the dedicated Constituency Office Rental Expenditure budget. In addition, Members may submit appropriate claims for expenditure to the General Administrative Expenditure Budget, which covers items such as office equipment, procurement of services, and communications costs.

Members: Constituency Offices

Richard Burden: To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, if the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority will assess the comparative cost to the public purse of  (a) continuing existing group and employer and public liability insurance for the offices of hon. Members and  (b) introducing a system where hon. Members negotiate and pay for the provision of such policies individually and claim reimbursement from the Authority.

Charles Walker: IPSA is considering the best mechanism for the continued provision of employer and public liability insurance when it ceases to be provided by the House, including whether it should be provided centrally through IPSA or claimed individually by Members. In its analysis, IPSA will consider value for money and the cost to the public purse.

Members: Correspondence

Anne McIntosh: To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, what the average time taken to provide a response to a query made by an hon. Member to the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority by  (a) email,  (b) hard copy letter and  (c) telephone call has been since the Authority's inception.

Charles Walker: At present, IPSA aims to respond to all queries within five working days. IPSA has recently introduced a new case management system which will improve the response time to emails, letters and telephone queries; and ensure accurate records of correspondence between Members and IPSA. Once this system is fully rolled out across IPSA, it will provide Members with information on its performance against these and other service targets.

Members: Correspondence

Helen Jones: To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, what system the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority operates to associate emails and letters from hon. Members with the claim to which the correspondence relates.

Charles Walker: I have been informed by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority that, in cases where emails or letters seek information about a particular claim, the Information Team extracts information relating to the claim from the online system and uses this to respond to queries. In cases which are not straightforward, the Information Team may speak directly to members of the Validation Team regarding the progress or details of the claim. Where letters or emails cover receipts or other supporting documentation, these are passed directly to the Validation Team.

Members: Email

Helen Jones: To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, what the average time taken by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority to reply to emails from hon. Members has been; and how many emails have not been answered within two weeks in the current parliamentary session.

Charles Walker: At present, IPSA aims to respond to all emails and letters within five working days. It is not possible to readily provide data regarding the percentage of queries which have been answered within this timeframe to date. IPSA has recently introduced a new case management system. This will both reduce the response time to emails, and ensure accurate records of correspondence between Members and IPSA. IPSA will provide Members with information on its performance against these and other service targets once this system is fully rolled out across the organisation.

Members: Travel

Helen Jones: To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, what procedures the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority plans to put in place during the recess for hon. Members who are unable to verify travel card statements within seven days.

Charles Walker: Members are required to submit the completed online travel card form within 14 days of it being available on the system with the corresponding invoices/receipts being sent within 21 days. If for a particular month an individual Member is unable to comply with these time scales (for example if they are away on business or holiday) they should e-mail info@parliamentarystandards.org.uk with the reason and the date they will be able to submit the completed form. When all or a large number of Members may be unable to comply with the normal time scales (for example during the summer or Christmas recess) then the time scales will be automatically increased to allow for this fact.

Members: Travel

Helen Jones: To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, what steps the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority is taking to  (a) identify hon. Members who have not received electronic copies of their travel card statements and  (b) ensure that such hon. Members receive their statements.

Charles Walker: All Members who have incurred expenditure on the travelcard within the month will receive a paper copy sent to their home address. The paper copy will be sent at the end of each month. All Members who have a registered proxy on the online expenses system will also receive an electronic copy, sent to their proxy. Where Members do not have a proxy, they may use an alternate logon to access the electronic statement. We are working on a system change to develop an improved IT solution to this issue.

Members: Travel

Karen Bradley: To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, what the policy of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority is on reimbursement of travel expenses to hon. Members in respect of travel by taxi with heavy luggage between a London rail terminal and the Palace of Westminster.

Charles Walker: IPSA's policy is that it will reimburse taxi fares where a journey is necessary and at least one of the following criteria is satisfied: no other reasonable method of transport is available for all or part of the journey, or alternative methods of transport are impracticable due to pregnancy, disability, illness or injury of the MP or of a staff member. Heavy luggage may be a factor in the MP deciding these criteria apply. Whether the journey is between a London rail terminus and the Palace of Westminster is not, in itself, a criterion, although taxi fares will not be reimbursed for any part of an MP's daily commute between their London home and Westminster, or their constituency home and office.

Offices

Richard Burden: To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, what the policy of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority is on payment for  (a) office equipment and furniture,  (b) rent, business rates and utilities attributable to its office premises and  (c) office consumables (i) directly from the Authority's budget and (ii) by members of the Authority's board and senior staff on the basis of retrospective reimbursement.

Charles Walker: IPSA, as an employer, provides office premises and facilities for its staff directly from its budget rather than on the basis of retrospective reimbursement.

Operating Costs

Glenda Jackson: To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, what the  (a) capital and  (b) estimated annual running cost is of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority's computerised claims system.

Charles Walker: The capital cost of the software expenses@work was £126,000 (including VAT at 17.5%). The estimated annual running cost of expenses@work is not identified separately. The support contract for all IT software support at IPSA, which includes support for Microsoft Office, the Financial Accounting System "Great Plains", the Payroll software "Jane HR" as well as expenses@work, is £116,000 (including VAT at 17.5%) per annum.

Pay

Grahame Morris: To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, how many staff of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) have received reward and recognition payments since its inception; and how many such payments IPSA expects to make in 2010-11.

Charles Walker: IPSA's staff recognition scheme enables staff to nominate colleagues for modest awards in recognition of outstanding performance. The scheme has only just commenced and so no staff members have so far received such awards. It is not possible to predict how many staff will receive such awards in 2010-11.

Pay

Grahame Morris: To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, how many staff seconded to the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) from Government Departments have received performance-related bonus payments since its inception; and how many such payments IPSA expects to make in 2010-11.

Charles Walker: IPSA does not routinely collect information on bonuses paid to seconded staff by their home Departments. Any performance-related bonuses paid to staff seconded to IPSA from Government Departments have been in respect of performance periods prior to the date when IPSA became operational. IPSA will not pay any performance-related bonuses to seconded or other staff in 2010-11.

Recruitment

Anne McIntosh: To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, what recruitment procedure was followed for those working at the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority processing claims from hon. Members; and what relevant previous experience such staff have had.

Charles Walker: The processing of claims from Members by IPSA is handled by staff from a range of backgrounds. A significant number of staff are drawn from the House of Commons Members' Pay and Allowances team and have considerable experience of processing MPs' claims. They are complemented by temporary staff selected for their experience and skills. A total of 29 staff with relevant experience will have transferred from the House of Commons to IPSA by August 2010.
	IPSA has made a significant investment in staff training. All staff attend an induction course which covers IPSA values, behaviours and team working, the MPs' Expenses Scheme, data assurance and protection, and operational functions.

Temporary Employment

Ian Liddell-Grainger: To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, how many agency staff have been contracted to work at the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority in each week since 1 May 2010.

Charles Walker: The number of agency staff that have been contracted by IPSA has varied by month and is illustrated as follows.
	
		
			   Number 
			 Week of 7 May 2010 56 
			 Week of 14 May 2010 56 
			 Week of 21 May 2010 56 
			 Week of 28 May 2010 56 
			 Week of 4 June 2010 61 
			 Week of 11 June 2010 61 
			 Week of 18 June 2010 61 
			 Week of 25 June 2010 61 
			 Week of 2 July 2010 56 
			 Week of 9 July 2010 56 
			 Week of 16 July 2010 56

Trade Unions: Finance

Jim Sheridan: To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, 
	(1)  for what reason the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority decided that trade union subscriptions for staff of hon. Members should not be deducted from their pay at payroll;
	(2)  what estimate the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority has made of the annual cost of deducting trade union subscriptions for the staff of hon. Members from their pay at payroll.

Charles Walker: In the first months of operation, IPSA's priorities have been to pay the salaries of MPs' staff and to make the required statutory and pension deductions. IPSA has not made an assessment of the cost of deducting trade union subscriptions for MPs' staff.
	IPSA is currently reviewing the situation in relation to trade union subscriptions and hopes to offer this as a facility in the near future.

WALES

Environment Agency's water supply schemes: Wales

Wayne David: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if she will discuss with Welsh Assembly Government Ministers the operation of the Environment Agency's water supply schemes in Wales.

David Jones: My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Wales, and I have regular discussions with Welsh Assembly Government Ministers on a range of issues.
	The Environment Agency and water companies in Wales are in regular contact to ensure the efficient operation of water supply schemes so that water supplies and the environment in Wales are protected during periods of low water flows. While we have been facing exceptional circumstances this year with the driest start to the year in England and Wales for 80 years, we are confident that there is a robust framework in place for dealing with this type of situation.
	In addition, the Welsh Assembly Government is currently undertaking a feasibility study to investigate the possibility of creating a single separate environment organisation for Wales. This will include discussions regarding the operation of water supply schemes in Wales. An initial report will be put to Welsh Assembly Government Ministers in the autumn.

Constituencies: Wales

Paul Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans she has to discuss proposed changes to the number of parliamentary constituencies in Wales with  (a) representatives of local government and civic society in Wales,  (b) the Wales Trades Union Congress and  (c) the Wales CBI.

David Jones: The Secretary of State and I intend to discuss the implementation of the Government's commitment to fewer and more equally-sized parliamentary constituencies with a wide range of interested parties in Wales, including the Welsh Local Government Association, the Wales Council for Voluntary Action, the Wales Trades Union Congress and the Wales CBI.

Constituencies: Wales

Paul Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if she will make it her policy to support the use of the British-Irish Council and the Joint Ministerial Council to discuss the effect on Wales of the Government's proposed constitutional reforms.

David Jones: The Government discussed the coalition agreement and those elements within it, including constitutional reform, which were likely to be of most significance to the devolved Administrations at the plenary meeting of the Joint Ministerial Committee (JMC) in June. The Government's constitutional reform agenda was also discussed in July at the inter-governmental senior officials' forum which supports the JMC.
	The Secretary of State for Wales has discussed the constitutional reforms with the Welsh Assembly Government, and we will continue to work collaboratively with the devolved Administrations as the reforms are implemented. The forward work programme for the JMC and JMC(Domestic) will be the subject of discussion by Ministers collectively at the first meeting of JMC(Domestic) in the autumn.
	These matters are not appropriate for discussion at the British-Irish Council, which contains members who are not part of the United Kingdom.

Constituencies: Wales

Paul Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many items of correspondence she has received in support of the Government's proposals to reduce the number of parliamentary constituencies in Wales.

David Jones: The Wales Office has received two items of correspondence relating specifically to the Government's proposals for fewer parliamentary constituencies of more equal size. Both sought clarification of the proposals.

Constituencies: Wales

Paul Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent representations she has received on proposals to change the boundaries of parliamentary constituencies in Wales.

David Jones: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales and I have discussed the Government's commitment to fewer parliamentary constituencies of more equal size with a number of interested parties, and will discuss the implementation of the reforms set out in the Parliamentary Voting Systems and Constituencies Bill during the summer.

Constituencies: Wales

Paul Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what estimate she has made of the cost to the public purse of the Government's proposals to change the boundaries of parliamentary constituencies in Wales.

David Jones: The previous general review of parliamentary constituencies in Wales concluded in 2005, and cost £649,498. This formed part of the £13.6 million total cost of the last boundary reviews in each part of the United Kingdom (although these reviews did not take place simultaneously).
	The Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill, introduced on 22 July, makes provision for a boundary review to be completed in each part of the United Kingdom before October 2013. The precise cost of the reviews will depend on the final form of the legislation and the approach adopted by the Commissions. However, we anticipate that the total cost will be less than the aggregate cost of the last set of reviews.

Departmental Operating Costs

Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what steps she has taken to reduce the running costs of her Department since her appointment.

David Jones: As part of our preparations for the spending review, officials in my Department are currently formulating proposals to reduce the running costs of the Wales Office.
	We have already achieved a number of savings since May 2010. For example, all train travel undertaken by Ministers and officials within the Wales Office is now by standard class. My office has also given notice to cancel the car contracted for my use in London, thereby halving this Department's previous number of ministerial cars in London.

Public Sector: Manpower

Paul Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment she has made of the effect on the  (a) Welsh economy and  (b) number of public sector jobs in Wales of proposed reductions in public expenditure in Wales.

Cheryl Gillan: As specific spending plans will be announced in the autumn, following the comprehensive spending review, it is not possible to make any worthwhile assessment of the effects of public expenditure reductions in Wales.
	We remain committed, however, to working with the Welsh Assembly Government to minimise the impacts of these necessary savings both on the Welsh economy and on public sector workers themselves.

Railways: Electrification

Jessica Morden: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Transport on the proposed electrification of the South Wales to London rail line.

Cheryl Gillan: As I outlined in my evidence to the Welsh Affairs Committee on Tuesday 20 July, I have had a number of informal discussions with the Secretary of State, and will be meeting him shortly to discuss the issue in greater detail.

Ryder Cup Tournament

Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions she has had with the First Minister on the hosting of the Ryder Cup tournament in Newport, 1 to 3 October 2010; and if she will make a statement.

David Jones: My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Wales, has regular discussions with the First Minister on a range of issues affecting Wales, including the Ryder Cup.
	She has recently visited the Celtic Manor Hotel and Spa Resort to view the Ryder Cup Golf Course for herself and hear about the facilities and the preparations that are taking place to cater for this world renowned tournament.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

Afghanistan: Chevening Scholarships Programme

David Miliband: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many people from Afghanistan have been awarded a Chevening scholarship for 2010-11.

William Hague: Six candidates were informed last week that they have been awarded scholarships. A further three awards will be offered once shortlisted candidates have heard whether their university places have been confirmed.

Afghanistan: Christianity

Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has made to the Government of Afghanistan on the protection of rights to Christian belief and worship in that country in accordance with its obligations under the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights.

Alistair Burt: The Government strongly support the right to freedom of religion or belief. We are working to support all individuals who face discrimination and persecution on the basis of religion, wherever they are in the world. Article two of the Afghan constitution provides for freedom of religion, and we expect the Afghan Government to fully implement this. We have a regular dialogue with the Afghan Government on human rights, including the need to ensure the security of all Afghans, regardless of religion. In addition, we will also raise particular cases of concern with the Afghan Government as necessary.

Albania: Foreign Relations

Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on what date the Minister for Europe in his Department last met with the Albanian Ambassador to the UK.

David Lidington: Since taking up his post in May 2010, I have not yet had an opportunity to have an official meeting with the Albanian ambassador to the UK.

Brazil: Embassies

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many employees work in the UK embassy in Brasilia; and how many are assigned to work on  (a) climate change issues and  (b) support for UK citizens who have been the victims of crime in Brazil.

Alistair Burt: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office is currently reviewing the basis on which work force information is supplied and we are, therefore, unable to reply fully at this stage. We will, however, place a copy of this information in the Library of the House as soon as possible.

British Council: Offices

John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which British Council offices are under consideration for possible closure.

Jeremy Browne: As my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary set out in his speech on 1 July 2010, the British Council has a crucial role to play in raising the profile of the UK overseas, projecting the UK's core values to the world and contributing to the strong networks that will underpin the UK's engagement with emerging powers. The British Council's network of country offices is constantly reviewed to ensure it is an efficient and effective platform for the UK. There is a Government-wide spending review under way. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the British Council will be expected to contribute to reducing the deficit as part of that review. No decision will be taken on the future of the British Council's operations until the result of that review has been settled.

British Nationals Abroad: Prisoners

Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer of 12 July 2010,  Official Report, column 508W, on British nationality: prisoners, on how many occasions  (a) his Department and  (b) British embassies and consulates have made representations to overseas governments regarding fair trial concerns in respect of UK citizens charged with offences in those countries in each of the last three years; and if he will make a statement.

Jeremy Browne: We will consider making representations to the local authorities in any case where a British national in detention has not been treated in line with internationally accepted standards. This may include cases where the trial does not follow fair trial standards, or where there is a complaint about mistreatment or discrimination. However, while we keep records of individual cases, we could only produce an overall figure for the number of times we have made representations on fair trial issues by individually going through the records of all British nationals who have been in detention abroad. To provide this information would therefore incur disproportionate cost.

Departmental Billing

Jeremy Lefroy: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what percentage of payments made by his Department to  (a) small and medium-sized enterprise suppliers and  (b) all suppliers were made (i) within 10 days of receipt of invoice and (ii) on the agreed payment terms in the last three months for which information is available.

Alistair Burt: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) paid 98.3%, 96.1% and 97% of supplier invoices within ten days of receipt of a valid invoice in April, May and June 2010 respectively.
	In May 2010 the Government's target to pay 90% of supplier invoices within 10 working days was replaced with a new target to pay 80% of supplier invoices in five working days. The FCO supports this important Government initiative, paying 84.29% and 90.5% of supplier invoices within five working days of receipt of a valid invoice in May 2010 and June 2010 respectively.
	The FCO is aware of the importance of paying suppliers promptly, and makes every effort to pay valid supplier invoices as quickly as possible. Specific information about the size of our suppliers is not held centrally and thus identifying the percentage of payments made to small and medium-sized enterprises would result in disproportionate cost.

Departmental Contracts

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has made an estimate of the monetary value of the contracts between his Department and private sector companies which will be cancelled under his Department's planned spending reductions.

Alistair Burt: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office is liaising with the Office of Government Commerce, which is reviewing contracts with key suppliers across central Government. It is too early to determine which, if any, contracts will be cancelled, so accordingly we cannot identify the monetary value of possible cancellation costs.

Departmental Manpower

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many  (a) full-time and  (b) part-time staff his Department employed in each year since 1997.

Alistair Burt: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office is currently reviewing the basis on which work force information is supplied and we are, therefore, unable to reply fully at this stage. We will, however, place a copy of this information in the Library of the House as soon as possible.

Departmental Official Cars

Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much his Department has spent on the Government Car Service since the Government took office.

Alistair Burt: Foreign and Commonwealth Office expenditure on all car services provided by the Government Car and Despatch Agency covering use by officials and Ministers during the period 12 May to 12 July 2010 was £37,709.

Departmental Official Cars

Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs for which of his Department's other Ministers a car and driver is provided for that Minister's regular or dedicated use.

Alistair Burt: The Foreign Secretary uses police close protection drivers. Four of the five remaining Foreign and Commonwealth Office Ministers have a Government Car Service car allocated to them.

Departmental Operating Costs

Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he has taken to reduce the running costs of his Department since his appointment.

Alistair Burt: I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for North Durham (Mr Jones) on 7 June 2010,  Official Report, columns 23-24W, and the written ministerial statement issued by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State on 29 June 2010,  Official Report, columns 37-38WS.

Departmental Public Expenditure

Jack Straw: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his Department's total  (a) capital and  (b) current spending was in each year since 1995 in (i) cash and (ii) constant prices; how many full-time equivalent (A) UK-based and (B) locally-engaged staff his Department employed in each such year; and how much his Department spent on consultants (1) contracted to his Department and (2) employed by other organisations under contract to his Department in each such year.

Alistair Burt: holding answer 21 July 2010
	Capital and current spending for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) is only available on a consistent basis, including Machinery of Government changes and changes to the classification of central Government spending, back to 2004-05. This has been published in Table 1 of annex A to the 2009-10 Resource Accounts (HC 74).
	The figures are reproduced in the following table along with their equivalent at constant prices:
	
		
			  £ million 
			   Capital spending  Current (Resource) spending( 1) 
			   Cash  Constant prices  Cash  Constant prices 
			 2004-05 113 128 1,683 1,900 
			 2005-06 133 147 1,811 2,008 
			 2006-07 161 173 1,813 1,945 
			 2007-08 228 238 1,819 1,897 
			 2008-09 227 230 2,000 2,030 
			 2009-10 201 201 2,192 2,192 
			 (1) Deflated by GDP index, 2009-10=100 
		
	
	With regard to the information requested about full-time equivalent UK-based and locally-engaged staff, the FCO is currently reviewing the basis on which workforce information is supplied and we are, therefore, unable to reply fully at this stage. We will, however, place a copy of this information in the Library of the House as soon as possible.
	An accurate, comparable breakdown of spend on consultants from 1995 to the present can be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Departmental Regulations

David Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which of his Department's regulations are under review; and if he will make a statement.

Alistair Burt: We currently have no regulations under formal review, but we will consider any suggestions relevant to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office made through the Your Freedom website:
	http://yourfreedom.hmg.gov.uk
	launched by my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister on 1 July 2010. This gives members of the public the opportunity to suggest existing regulations for removal.

Departmental Secondment

Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many civil servants from each Government department are on secondment to EU institutions.

David Lidington: There are approximately 110 British civil servants on secondment to the EU institutions.
	The largest groups are from the following Departments:
	Department for International Development: 19
	Department for Business, Innovation and Skills: 10
	Department for Transport: 16
	Foreign and Commonwealth Office: nine
	Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs: six
	Her Majesty's Treasury: six
	Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs: six.

Departmental Travel

Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which  (a) Ministers and  (b) officials in his Department have been driven by the Government Car Service since the Government took office; and how much each of these persons has received in expenses for use of taxis, buses and underground trains in that period.

Alistair Burt: I refer the hon. Member to the answers given to the hon. Member for West Bromwich East (Mr Watson) on 30 June 2010,  Official Report, column 588W, and 8 June 2010,  Official Report, column 100W.
	In addition, the Government publish on a quarterly basis, the expenses incurred by the most senior officials which includes use of the Government Car Service and other travel expenses.

Departmental Travel

Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what estimate his Department has made of its expenditure on travel undertaken in an official capacity by each Minister in his Department in (i) May 2010 and (ii) June 2010.

Alistair Burt: I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for York Central (Hugh Bayley) to his parliamentary question 7973.
	As set out in the Ministerial Code, Departments will publish, at least quarterly, details of all travel overseas by Ministers. Information for the first quarter will be published as soon as it is ready.
	All travel is undertaken in accordance with the Ministerial Code.

Developing Countries: Carbon Emissions

David Miliband: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs in respect of which of the 22 priority countries under the Low Carbon High Growth Programme Fund his Department's programme spending will be reduced.

William Hague: I advised the House of my intention to cut the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's spending on its Low Carbon High Growth programme by around £3 million this financial year and explore alternative sources of funding for the programme for future years in my written ministerial statement of 29 June 2010,  Official Report, columns 37-38WS. Since then, we have scaled back programme spending in all Low Carbon High Growth priority countries for 2010-11. We have sought to minimise the extent of cuts to programmes in the key emerging economies.

Diplomatic Service: Parliamentary Scrutiny

Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will assess the merits of allowing nominees for senior ambassadorial appointments to appear before the Foreign Affairs Committee for confirmation hearings.

David Lidington: Appointments in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) are made on merit, on the basis of fair and open competition, in accordance with the Diplomatic Service Order in Council 1991. The Government will continue to offer the Committee post-appointment hearings for the appointment of non-diplomats to diplomatic posts.

EC Nationals: Citizenship

James Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the draft regulation on the European Citizen's Initiative proposed by the European Commission; and if he will make a statement.

David Lidington: The Government welcome the European Citizens' Initiative (ECI) as an innovation to empower the citizens of Europe and to help address the perceived democratic deficit in the European Union. In order to avoid a bureaucratic or burdensome outcome for either citizens or member states, the UK will continue to press for changes to the draft provisions on requirements for citizens to provide varying amounts of personal data before being able to join a petition, and the means by which these data will be verified by member states. Going forward therefore, the Government will be seeking a more flexible, open and citizen-friendly system.

Eritrea: Christianity

Gregg McClymont: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps his Department is taking to assist Christians in Eritrea at risk of persecution.

Jeremy Browne: The Government are very concerned about the lack of freedom of religious expression in Eritrea, and about the imprisonment and reports of torture of members of certain religious groups. Following up reports of human rights abuses is difficult in Eritrea, but we have repeatedly pressed the Eritrean Government to address the situation. At the United Nations Universal Periodic Review last year the United Kingdom called on the Eritrean Government to address concerns relating to religious detainees. British officials raise human rights issues with the Eritrean Government at every suitable opportunity, in Asmara and with the Eritrean embassy in London. The EU also has an ongoing political dialogue with Eritrea and human rights concerns, including religious freedom, are raised as part of this.

EU Countries: Embassies

Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many  (a) UK-based and  (b) locally-employed staff are employed by his Department in each of the member states of the EU.

Alistair Burt: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office is currently reviewing the basis on which work force information is supplied and we are, therefore, unable to reply fully at this stage. We will, however, place a copy of this information in the Library of the House as soon as possible.

France: Anti-Semitism

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent reports he has received on anti-Semitism in France; and if he will make a statement.

David Lidington: In 2009 there were 832 acts of anti-Semitism recorded in France.
	In the past week, there have been reports of two separate incidents of anti-Semitism in France; the vandalism of graves in a Jewish cemetery and an attack on a synagogue outside of Paris. The French Interior Minister Brice Hortefeux, has condemned the attacks as "despicable, intolerable and shocking" and underlined the French authorities' commitment to punishing the perpetrators.
	The Government condemn anti-Semitism and all forms of racism.

Grants

Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs to which organisations his Department provides grant funding; and how much it has provided to each in each of the last 10-years.

Jeremy Browne: holding answer 22 July 2010
	The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has provided the following Grant in Aid funding to the BBC World Service, British Council, the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD), the Great Britain China Centre (GBCC) and the Marshall Aid Commemoration Commission (MACC).
	
		
			  £ million 
			   2000-01  2001-02  2002-03  2003-04  2004-05  2005-06  2006-07  2007-08  2008-09  2009-10 
			 BBC World Service 207 187.9 201 220.1 225.1 239.1 239.5 255 265 268 
			 British Council 137.7 145 151.5 162.5 172.1 189.2 188.1 189.5 201 200.8 
			 WFD 4.2 4.2 4.2 4.1 4.1 4.1 4.1 4.1 4.1 4.1 
			 GBCC 0.28 0.29 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 
			 MACC 1.7 1.8 1.9 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.2 2.2 2.2 
		
	
	These are by far the greatest beneficiaries of FCO grants. Smaller grants have also been made to project implementers and other organisations around the world to help deliver UK foreign policy objectives. Budgets in the FCO are devolved to over 260 posts and details of these payments are not held centrally. As a result, this information could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Indonesia: Islam

Nicky Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make representations to the government of Indonesia on the restrictions placed on the Ahmadiyya Muslim community in Indonesia, with particular reference to Ahmadiyyas in Lombok displaced from their homes.

Jeremy Browne: We have made a number of representations to the Indonesian Government regarding the importance of allowing the Ahmadiyya community, including those in Lombok, to practise their faith and ensure they are protected from harm. Most recently the issue was raised during the EU Indonesia Human Rights Dialogue in Jakarta in June 2010.

Iraq: Embassies

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer of 15 July 2010,  Official Report, columns 868-69W, on Iraq: embassies, how much each company listed in the answer paid towards the Queen's Birthday celebration; and if he will place in the Library a copy of each sponsorship agreement.

Alistair Burt: Each company, listed in our previous answer of 15 July 2010, contributed US$800 to the cost of hosting events for the Queen's Birthday celebration in Baghdad, Basra and Erbil on 16 June 2010.
	Our embassy in Baghdad wanted to reflect the breadth of engagement of British Companies in Iraq during the Queen's Birthday celebrations locally. By securing sponsorship in this way the embassy were also able to achieve best value for the public purse.
	There were no formal sponsorship agreements made.

Israel: Educational Exchanges

David Blunkett: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what funding his Department allocated for the British-Israel Research and Academic Exchange Partnership in  (a) 2008-09 and  (b) 2009-10; and how much it plans to allocate for (i) 2010-11 and (ii) 2011-12.

Alistair Burt: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has committed £42,000 to the British-Israel Research and Academic Exchange Partnership (BIRAX) over the past three years as follows:
	
		
			   Committed funds (£) 
			 2008-09 5,000 
			 2009-10 27,000 
			 2010-11 10,000 
		
	
	No budgets have been set for 2011-12 and the FCO will decide allocations for this and future years in the light of the spending round that is expected to be conclude this autumn.
	BIRAX helps to build and enhance university links between Britain and Israel. BIRAX currently supports 15 innovative scientific research projects involving 17 different universities from across the UK and Israel.

Israel: Overseas Trade

Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs 
	(1)  what his policy is on the sale of goods in the UK that were sourced, packaged or grown on Israeli settlements which the United Nations has declared illegal;
	(2)  if he will bring forward proposals for a ban on the sale of goods in the UK that were sourced, packaged or grown on Israeli settlements which the United Nations has declared illegal.

Alistair Burt: The Government's policy on settlement activity in the West Bank and East Jerusalem is clear. Settlements are not only illegal under international law and in direct contravention of Israel's Roadmap commitments, but they also represent an attempt to create 'facts on the ground' which makes a two-state solution harder to achieve. It is important that consumers in the UK are able to make fully informed decision concerning the products they buy. That is why, in December 2009, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs introduced guidelines in consultation with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to label more accurately produce from Israeli settlements that are sold in the UK. This does not represent a ban on the sale of products from Israeli settlements in the UK.

Members: Correspondence

Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he intends to reply to the letter dated 2 June 2010 from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton with regard to Dr Jill Lovecy.

William Hague: I replied to the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton, on 12 July. I apologise for the delay in replying to the hon. Member's letter and for the delay in answering this question. I have reminded officials that this should not happen again.

Members: Correspondence

Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he plans to reply to the letter from the hon. Member for Islington North of 10 June 2010 on behalf of the Chagos Islands all-party parliamentary group.

David Lidington: We did not receive the letter referred to by the hon. Member for Islington North, but have now sought to obtain a copy and will reply as soon as possible.

MI6

Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will commission research into the level of public trust in the Secret Intelligence Service.

Alistair Burt: The Government do not intend to commission research into the level of public trust in the Secret Intelligence Service.

Slovakia: Cluster Munitions

David Miliband: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he has taken to press Slovakia to become a signatory of the Convention on Cluster Munitions.

William Hague: The convention on cluster munitions is the most significant disarmament agreement of recent years. The Government are committed to globalising the convention and thereby ending the unacceptable civilian suffering caused by use of these munitions. We urge all states not yet party to sign and ratify the convention.
	The EU's Working Group on Global Arms Control and Disarmament (CODUN) regularly considers the convention on cluster munitions and discusses how member states are advancing its humanitarian aims. Having signed and ratified the convention, the UK plays a leading role in these debates and has actively urged not just Slovakia, but the other six EU member states that have not yet done so to sign the convention.

Somalia: Foreign Relations

Chuka Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with representatives of the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia since his appointment.

Jeremy Browne: Foreign and Commonwealth Office Ministers have had no discussions with representatives of the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) of Somalia since the new Government was formed. There is however regular contact between Somali Ministers and our officials based in Nairobi. The Minister for Africa, my hon. Friend the Member for North West Norfolk (Mr Bellingham), will meet Ministers from the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia during the course of his visit to the region, including at the African Union summit.
	The Government remain committed to supporting Somalis as they rebuild their country. We support the UN-led Djibouti peace process and the political reconciliation efforts of the TFG.

Somalia: Peace Negotiations

Chuka Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps his Department is taking to secure progress towards peace in Somalia.

Jeremy Browne: The Government remain committed to supporting Somalis as they rebuild their country. My hon. Friend Henry Bellingham, Minister for Africa, works closely with my right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for International Development and the Secretary of State for Defence working alongside EU partners and the UN to support international efforts to bring lasting peace to Somalia.
	The root causes of the instability need to be addressed, taking steps to promote stability and better governance. We have a tri-departmental conflict prevention budget of £7 million this financial year. We believe a Somali-led approach is needed, focusing on the political, military and economic. These three strands of activity need to be properly sequenced and interwoven if there is to be success.
	On the political front we support the UN-led Djibouti peace process and the political reconciliation efforts of the transitional federal Government which is taking the lead in the delivery of peace and stability in Somalia. The peace process provides the best hope for Somalis to turn their country around, form an effective Government and improve security and humanitarian access.
	The UK is willing to work with the Somali authorities, the UN and African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and all other stakeholders to help build a stronger and more accountable security sector, providing that a coherent plan is in place. The UK has supported AMISOM since its inception and we will continue to look at ways in which we can further support the mission.
	Improved security enables better service delivery and economic growth. We are working across Government to help promote a peaceful, politically stable and economically viable Somalia.

South Africa and Namibia: Sterilisation

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent reports he has received on the practice of forced sterilisation in  (a) South Africa and  (b) Namibia; whether he has made representations to the government of (i) South Africa and (ii) Namibia in consequence; and if he will make a statement.

Jeremy Browne: The UK is closely following Namibia's ongoing court case involving the alleged sterilisation of three HIV-positive women. Although we cannot comment on the case while it is sub judice, the UK will continue to monitor allegations of human rights abuses and promote women's rights including through the Department for International Development's Southern African regional programmes. We are not aware of any reports of cases of forced sterilisation in South Africa.

Sudan: War Crimes

Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to support the International Criminal Court in bringing the President of Sudan, Omar al-Bashir, to trial.

Jeremy Browne: The UK has been a consistently strong supporter of the International Criminal Court (ICC) as an independent judicial institution, and of its engagement on Darfur. We have repeatedly urged the Government of Sudan to cooperate with the court over the arrest warrants it has issued for President Bashir and other Sudanese citizens. We have taken action, in liaison with key partners, to limit Bashir's ability to travel internationally, by highlighting to potential host countries UN Security Council Resolution 1593 of 2005 which urged all UN member states to co-operate with the ICC, and the particular legal obligations of States party to the ICC.

SCOTLAND

Act of Settlement 1701

Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent discussions he has had with the Deputy Prime Minister on the Act of Settlement 1701.

Michael Moore: I have regular discussions with my ministerial colleagues on a range of matters and I refer the hon. Gentleman to the closing speech by the Minister for Political and Constitutional Reform in the Adjournment Debate on 1 July 2010,  Official Report, column 1109, called by the Member for Rhondda (Chris Bryant).

Commonwealth Games 2014

Anas Sarwar: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he plans to take to help secure for Glasgow a legacy from the 2014 Commonwealth Games; and what discussions he has had with the Leader of Glasgow City Council.

David Mundell: I am a strong supporter of the Commonwealth games coming to Glasgow and hope that it will provide a lasting legacy in inspiring more Scots to participate in sport and use the excellent new facilities. During a recent visit to Glasgow I saw some of the infrastructure projects which will support the games and discussed how Government could best support the games with the leader of Glasgow city council.

Constituencies

Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he has had with the Advocate General for Scotland on the exemption of Orkney and Shetland constituency from plans to reduce the size of Parliamentary constituencies in Scotland.

Michael Moore: The Government are determined to establish greater equality for votes cast in general elections across the United Kingdom. We have proposed the two exceptions of Orkney and Shetland as well as Na h-Eileanan an Iar as those islands are less accessible and harder to traverse. We have concluded that exceptions for these areas are justified by their particular geography.
	The Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill also provides for an upper limit on the geographical size of a constituency.

Departmental Internet

Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how much his Department spent on website design in each year since 1997.

David Mundell: The Scotland Office only came into existence on 1 July 1999.
	The Scotland Office website came into existence in 2004-05 with an initial set up cost of £24,718.
	In 2008-09 The Scotland Office spent £15,052.50 plus VAT on maintenance. The cost included the redevelopment of the site including a comprehensive in-house content management system which represents considerable value for money and cost savings for the office when implemented as well as now and in the future.

Departmental Pay

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how much was paid in remuneration in total to civil servants in his Department in 2009-10.

David Mundell: The Scotland Office paid £2,007,214 in remuneration to its civil servants in 2009-10.

Departmental Travel

Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what his ministerial engagements were on 13 July 2010; and what travel he undertook for the purpose of those engagements.

David Mundell: The Secretary of State undertook a number of ministerial engagements in Scotland on 13 July. He travelled to and between these engagements in the ministerial car.

Economic Growth: Glasgow

Anas Sarwar: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has made an assessment of the likely effect of the expenditure reduction announced on 24 May 2010 on economic growth in Glasgow.

David Mundell: The OBR forecasts for the economy published at the time of the Budget reflect the savings to departmental budgets announced on 24 May 2010 but these are not available on a regional basis. Scotland's share of this spending reduction is £332 million-around 1% of the Scottish Government's departmental expenditure Limit. Our necessary plan to cut the record budget deficit that this Government inherited, goes hand in hand with our determination to return sustained growth to the Scottish economy.

Economic Growth: Glasgow

Anas Sarwar: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he next plans to meet the Leader of Glasgow city council to discuss the prospects for economic growth in Glasgow.

David Mundell: I have had productive discussions with the Leader of Glasgow city council on a wide range of issues including the prospects of the Scottish economy. I also visited the Clyde Gateway project which offers significant potential for economic growth in Glasgow. Our plan to cut the record budget deficit that this Government inherited, goes hand in hand with a sustained economic recovery.

Elections

Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions on what dates he has had with  (a) the Scottish Government,  (b) the Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament,  (c) the Electoral Commission in Scotland and  (d) electoral registration officers in Scotland on proposals to enable the Scottish Parliament to change the date of elections to the Scottish Parliament in 2015.

Michael Moore: Following the Deputy Prime Minister's statement on 5 July 2010, I wrote to the First Minister, the Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, other party leaders, and the Scottish Parliament's independent MSP, confirming this Government's commitment to fixed term parliaments so that no longer will the incumbent administration be able to decide the date of the general election. I acknowledged that concern exists for combining elections for the House of Commons and the Scottish Parliament on the same date and confirmed that the Government would engage with them to discuss this matter further.

Elections

Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has plans for a public consultation on the methodology for determining the date upon which the elections for the Scottish Parliament will be held in 2015.

Michael Moore: There are legitimate concerns about the impact of combining the elections on the same day, and I have said that I am keen to engage with other interested parties to find a solution that addresses those concerns.

Food Standards Agency

Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Health on the change in functions formerly carried out by the Food Standards Agency in Scotland.

Michael Moore: The Secretary of State for Health has decided to transfer nutrition policy for England from the Food Standards Agency (FSA) to the Department of Health. The FSA retains current responsibility for nutrition policy in Scotland.

Personnel: Public Sector

Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on projected trends in employment in the public sector in Scotland attributable to public expenditure reductions in the next five years.

Michael Moore: I have had discussions with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on a wide range of topics. The independent Office for Budget Responsibility published their employment forecasts for the whole of the UK on 30 June 2010. Based on policies in the June 2010 Budget, in three years time public sector employment will be 150,000 higher compared to the forecast based on policies in the March 2010 Budget. Total employment is forecast to rise each year over the next five years.

Personnel: Public Sector

Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has made of the gross reduction in the number of jobs in the public sector in Scotland in the next five years.

Michael Moore: The Independent Office for Budget Responsibility published their employment forecasts for the whole of the UK on 30 June. Based on policies in the June 2010 Budget, in three years time public sector employment will be 150,000 higher compared to the forecast based on policies in the March 2010 Budget, and total employment is forecast to rise each year over the next five years.

Trade Unions

Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how much his Department and its predecessor has paid to trade unions in each year since 1997; and what estimate he has made of the value of facilities provided by his Department and its predecessor for use by trade unions in each year since 1997.

Michael Moore: The Scotland Office was established on 1 July 1999. Since that date, the Scotland Office has made no payments to trade unions. The Scotland Office does not maintain a record of facilities provided.

Trade Unions

Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many paid manpower hours civil servants in his Department and its predecessor spent on trade union-related duties and activities in each year since 1997.

Michael Moore: The Scotland Office was established on 1 July 1999. The office does not have any staff who spend time undertaking trade union duties or activities.

Trade Unions

Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many civil servants in his Department and its predecessor spent the equivalent of  (a) five days or fewer,  (b) five to 10 days,  (c) 10 to 15 days,  (d) 15 to 20 days,  (e) 20 to 25 days and  (f) 25 days or more on trade union-related activities or duties while being paid salaries from the public purse in each year since 1997.

Michael Moore: The Scotland Office was established on 1 July 1999. The office does not have any staff who spend time undertaking trade union duties or activities.

WOMEN AND EQUALITIES

Government Equalities Office's :Regulations

David Anderson: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities which of the Government Equalities Office's regulations are under review; and if she will make a statement.

Lynne Featherstone: In the Budget the Government announced plans for reducing the regulatory burdens on business, including the introduction of a one-in-one-out system for new regulations and a fundamental review of all regulation inherited from the previous Government scheduled for introduction over the coming year.
	The Government have agreed to implement the core simplification provisions of the Equality Act 2010 in October this year and is looking at how the rest of the Act can be implemented in the best way for business.
	The Your Freedom website launched by the Deputy Prime Minister on 1 July 2010, will also give members of the public the opportunity to suggest existing regulations for removal, in order to reduce the burden on business.

Church of England: Equal Opportunities

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities what recent representations she has received on equality in appointments in the Church of England.

Lynne Featherstone: I have recently received one representation about equality in appointments in the Church of England.

Departmental Speeches

Angela Smith: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities which  (a) (i) civil servants and (ii) special advisers in the Government Equalities Office and  (b) other individuals are employed to write speeches for each Minister in that office.

Lynne Featherstone: One civil servant is employed to write speeches for the Government Equalities Office. Civil servants from across the Department are also involved as part of their duties in drafting ministerial speeches. Special advisers will also input on occasion.

Women's National Commission

Angela Eagle: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities whether she plans to end the Women's National Commission.

Lynne Featherstone: The coalition Government have made clear their commitment to increase the accountability of all public bodies and reduce their number and costs. The Women's National Commission is included in this exercise along with most non-departmental public bodies.
	My Department, the Government Equalities Office, has written to the chair of the Commission, Baroness Gould of Potternewton, inviting the WNC to respond to the three tests which all NDPBs are being assessed against. We are now considering the reply. I have also met with Baroness Gould to discuss the review and listen to her views.
	The review will conclude in the autumn and the result will be made public.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Afghanistan: Overseas Aid

Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what proportion of his proposed increase in funding for development in Afghanistan will be allocated to  (a) security,  (b) economic development and  (c) service delivery.

Andrew Mitchell: In order to deliver the results set out in my written ministerial statement of 21 July 2010,  Official Report, column 18WS, the additional funding for Afghanistan (2010-11 to 2013-14) has been provisionally allocated as follows:  (a) £67 million for improving security and political stability;  (b) £78 million for economic stability, growth and jobs; and  (c) £55 million for helping the Afghan Government deliver vital basic services.
	This will support the priorities set out by the Afghan Government at last week's Kabul conference. Progress will be closely monitored against agreed benchmarks to ensure results are achieved.

Amajaro Holdings Limited

Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development whether he has  (a) had any meetings with and  (b) received any representations from the directors or other representatives of (i) Amajaro Holdings Ltd and (ii) Brompton Capital Ltd since taking office.

Andrew Mitchell: I received a letter from Armajaro Holdings Ltd dated 1 July, which has been passed to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office for reply. I have not held any meetings with Armajaro Holdings Ltd or Brompton Capital Ltd or received other representations from them since taking office as Secretary of State for International Development.

Bilateral Aid: HIV Infection

Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much his Department has spent on bilateral aid targeting  (a) HIV and AIDS and  (b) reproductive health in each year since 2005-06.

Stephen O'Brien: The Department for International Development (DFID) spent the following in bilateral aid targeting HIV and AIDS and reproductive health in each year since 2005-06.
	
		
			  £ millions 
			   2005-06  2006-07  2007-08  2008-09  2009-10 
			 DFID bilateral expenditure directly targeting reproductive health 49.2 55.8 55.9 110.3 117.4 
			 DFID bilateral expenditure directly targeting HIV and AIDS 130.9 128.7 134.2 158.0 146.3 
		
	
	As laid out in the coalition programme, the Government are committed to restricting the spread of major diseases like HIV and AIDS. Details of future support to HIV and AIDS related programmes will be determined in light of the ongoing aid reviews.

Common Agricultural Policy

Adrian Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development pursuant to the answer of 14 July 2010,  Official Report, column 776W, on the Common Agricultural Policy, what priorities he has set for future discussions on long-term stability of food production; what representations he plans to make at EU level on the future of the Common Agricultural Policy; and if he will make a statement.

James Paice: I have been asked to reply.
	My priority is to achieve a market-driven and consumer focused agricultural sector, which is crucial for both European and global food security. We will need to increase food production sustainably through improving productivity and competitiveness in the UK, EU and beyond.
	My ministerial colleagues and I will continue to meet with the European Commission and other EU member states to discuss the common agricultural policy.

Conflict Prevention

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development when he expects the Government's cross-Whitehall conflict strategy to be published.

Jeremy Browne: I have been asked to reply.
	Once work on a National Security Strategy and the Strategic Defence and Strategic Defence and Security Review has been concluded, my hon. Friend, Henry Bellingham, Minister responsible for Conflict Issues, will consider how to take forward work to underpin a cross-departmental approach to tackling conflict.

Departmental Manpower

Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development pursuant to his answer of 12 July 2010,  Official Report, column 501W, on departmental manpower, how many of his Department's 96 governance advisers have a degree in  (a) political science or politics and  (b) public policy.

Stephen O'Brien: At least 31 of the Department's governance advisers have a degree in political science or politics, including single or joint honours.
	At least nine of the Department's governance advisers have a degree in public policy.

Departmental Private Education

Gloria De Piero: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much his Department spent on continuity of education allowance at  (a) Charterhouse School,  (b) Dulwich College,  (c) Eton College,  (d) Harrow School,  (e) Marlborough College,  (f) Rugby School,  (g) Westminster School,  (h) Winchester College,  (i) Cheltenham Ladies College, (j) Roedean School,  (k) St Paul's School,  (l) Fettes College and  (m) Gordonstoun School in the last 12 months for which figures are available.

Andrew Mitchell: In the 2009-10 financial year, 48 members of DFID's staff on overseas postings received an education allowance. The monies spent on education allowances at each of the schools and colleges listed, are detailed in the following table.
	
		
			  School  Monies spent on education allowance (£) 
			 Charterhouse School 0 
			 Dulwich College 0 
			 Eton College 0 
			 Harrow School 0 
			 Marlborough College 24,855 
			 Rugby School 0 
			 Westminster School 0 
			 Winchester College 16,515 
			 Cheltenham Ladies College 0 
			 Roedean School 19,735 
			 St Paul's School 0 
			 Fettes College 32,699 
			 Gordonstoun School 0 
		
	
	Payments are not made directly to the school, but are reimbursed to the employee on receipt of an invoice.
	Two of the 48 employees above, returned to the UK during the 2009-10 financial year and were eligible to receive education continuity payments. Neither have children who attended any of the schools listed.

Departmental Regulations

David Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development which of his Department's regulations are under review; and if he will make a statement.

Stephen O'Brien: In the Budget the Government announced plans for reducing the regulatory burdens on business, including the introduction of a one-in-one out system for new regulations and a fundamental review of all regulation inherited from the previous Government scheduled for introduction over the coming year. These regulations will not be implemented until they have been reviewed and re-agreed by the Reducing Regulation Cabinet Committee.
	The Department for International Development (DFID) is not responsible for any regulations that affect businesses.

Developing Countries: Education

Adrian Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much financial assistance his Department has provided to each country in southwest Asia to achieve the Millennium Development Goal of increasing the number of children attending primary school in each of the last three years.

Alan Duncan: The Department for International Development (DFID) has provided the following amounts in support of millennium development goal (MDG) 2 in Pakistan since 2007-08.
	
		
			   £ 
			 2007-08 6,549,706 
			 2008-09 21,855,000 
			 2009-10 26,349,553 
		
	
	DFID's principal contribution to meeting MDG 2 in Afghanistan is made through the Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund (ARTF). The ARTF is managed by the World Bank and reimburses proven expenditures on Government operating costs. Between 2007-08 and 2009-10, the education sector was assessed as accounting for 52% of ARTF expenditure. The Ministry of Education's published data does not distinguish between spending on primary and secondary education, but in 2008-09, primary students (Grades 1-6) comprised 76% of the primary and secondary education total (Source: Afghanistan Ministry of Education, "Education Summary Report 2008/09"). On that basis, the UK's ARTF contribution to primary education can be notionally assessed as set out in the following table.
	
		
			   £ million 
			 2007-08 21.7 
			 2008-09 23.7 
			 2009-10 23.7

Developing Countries: Females

Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps his Department is taking to remove barriers to education for girls in countries affected by conflict, with particular reference to girl mothers pregnant as a result of abduction or rape.

Stephen O'Brien: As laid out in "The Coalition: our programme for government", the Department for International Development (DFID) will prioritise increasing access to basic services, such as health and education, for the world's poorest people, including a particular focus on the rights of women and girls.
	The Secretary of State has recently initiated a review of DFID's aid programmes, including support to health and education, to ensure we achieve value for money and accelerate progress towards the millennium development goals. This includes a review of our emergency response programme, which will look at the provision of support across sectors in the immediate aftermath of conflict or natural disaster.
	With over half of primary aged children not enrolled in school living in fragile states, a total of 42 million children out of an estimated 72 million worldwide, we recognise the need to promote education in fragile and conflict-affected states and to address the specific needs of women affected by violence.

Developing Countries: Health Services

Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps his Department takes to ensure fair access to health systems through its aid programme frameworks in developing countries.

Stephen O'Brien: The Department for International Development (DFID) gives high priority to ensuring that the benefits of health services are distributed equitably when it invests in health systems in developing countries. In addition to increasing the quality and supply of services, DFID works closely with Governments and other partners to make sure that these services reach the poor and vulnerable. This requires giving special attention to removing the barriers that prevent those most in need from accessing the care they require.
	The Secretary of State has recently commissioned a review of DFID's aid programmes to determine how we can achieve better value for money for the taxpayer and accelerate progress towards the Millennium Development Goals. This will include DFID support to the health sector.

Developing Countries: HIV Infection

Adrian Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development pursuant to the answer of 8 July 2010,  Official Report, column 418W, on developing countries: HIV infection, if he will make an assessment of the effectiveness of the HIV awareness programmes for young people; and if he will make a statement.

Stephen O'Brien: HIV awareness programmes are having a positive effect. A recent study by UNAIDS found that young people are adopting safer sexual behaviours. HIV prevalence among young people has declined by more than 25% in 15 of the 21 countries most affected by AIDS. These declines are largely due to a fall in new HIV infections among young people.
	The Department for International Development (DFID) is contributing to the decline in infection rates. For example, in South Africa, prevention programmes funded by a number of partners, including DFID, have helped contribute towards a 60% decline in new infections among 15 to 24-year-olds.

Developing Countries: HIV Infection

Adrian Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development pursuant to the answer of 8 July 2010,  Official Report, column 418W, on developing countries: HIV infection, when he expects the report of his Department's review to be published.

Stephen O'Brien: The Department for International Development aims to publish conclusions from both the Bilateral Aid Review and Multilateral Aid Review in the first part 2011.

Developing Countries: HIV Infection

Adrian Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development pursuant to the answer of 8 July 2010,  Official Report, column 418W, on developing countries: HIV infection, what progress has been made on the review of his Department's aid programme; and what guidance his Department uses in ensuring the effectiveness of projects funded under that programme.

Stephen O'Brien: Programmes funded by the Department for International Development (DFID) are reviewed annually against agreed performance indicators and targets to ensure progress and assess impact and effectiveness.
	DFID aims to publish conclusions from both the Bilateral Aid Review and Multilateral Aid Review in the first part of 2011.

Developing Countries: Human Trafficking

Richard Fuller: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps he plans to take towards eradicating the use of child labour in developing countries; and if he will make a statement.

Stephen O'Brien: Child labour is unacceptable and the Government are committed to tackling it. Investment in primary and lower secondary education reduces child labour rates. That is why the Department for International Development (DFID) is working towards the achievement of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) two and three on education and gender equality, and to securing strong outcomes at the MDGs summit in September.
	The UK Government also strongly support the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) which challenges poor labour standards around the world, including child labour, and drives practical measures to improve them. DFID will continue to encourage British businesses to sign up to the initiative and to follow the Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, which set out good corporate behaviour.

Developing Countries: Maternity Services

Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what disaggregated data his Department collects on the outcomes of maternal health programmes funded by his Department for  (a) all populations and  (b) indigenous and other cultural minority populations in each developing country so supported; and if he will make a statement.

Stephen O'Brien: The Department for International Development (DFID) uses an annual review process to measure results towards achieving programme objectives in each of its maternal and newborn health programmes. Where reaching a marginalised population is an integral part of the programme, the monitoring process will track this.

EC Aid

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development which countries are the top 10 recipients of EU development aid; how much aid was given to each in the last year for which figures are available; and what the average annual income was in each country in that year.

Stephen O'Brien: The top 10 recipients of EU aid in 2009, annual commitments per country and the average annual income for each country are provided in the following table. Figures for actual disbursement of EU aid fluctuate each year. This expenditure is managed by the European Commission.
	
		
			  Top 10 recipients of EU aid  Commitments (€ million)  Per capital GDP (€) 
			 Turkey 533.26 7785 
			 Tanzania 418.69 390 
			 Democratic Republic of the Congo 417.69 140 
			 Occupied Palestinian Territory 399.78 1114 
			 Haiti 289.3 557 
			 Afghanistan 269.83 362 
			 Kosovo 219.59 1488 
			 Kenya 207.98 612 
			 Pakistan 200.19 784 
			  Sources: Annual Report 2010 on the European Community's Development and External Assistance Policies and their Implementation in 2009, June 2010 and UN Indicators on Income and Economic Activity, June 2010

EU Law

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will estimate the cost to his Department of compliance with regulations arising from EU obligations in the last 12 months.

Stephen O'Brien: The information requested could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

International Assistance

Thomas Docherty: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what the Deputy Prime Minister's objectives are in attending the forthcoming UN summit on the Millennium Development Goals; and if he will make a statement.

Andrew Mitchell: The Government aim to reach international agreement on an action agenda to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015, as well as securing additional commitments, from both developed and developing countries, on the most off-track MDGs such as maternal and child health and malaria, and an accountability mechanism to monitor progress.

Mozambique: Overseas Aid

Douglas Carswell: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans he has for future budgetary support to the government of Mozambique.

Stephen O'Brien: The Secretary of State has recently commissioned a review of the Department for international Development's (DFID's) bilateral aid programme to determine how we can achieve better value for money for the taxpayer and accelerate progress towards the Millennium Development Goals. Future budgetary support to the Government of Mozambique will be determined as part of this review.

Mozambique: Overseas Aid

Douglas Carswell: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of direct budget support given to Mozambique by his Department.

Stephen O'Brien: Department for International Development (DFID) budget support has enabled the Government of Mozambique to increase expenditure on agriculture, education, water and sanitation, social protection and health. In 2008 this support allowed more than 105,000 children to go to primary school, including 13,200 new entrants; ensured 13,430 infants were immunised against measles; paid for 11,882 births attended by a skilled health worker; provided 239,796 people with safe water; and helped connect 13,519 people to the national grid.
	The Secretary of State has recently commissioned a review of DFID's bilateral aid programme to determine how we can achieve better value for money for the taxpayer and accelerate progress towards the Millennium Development Goals. DFID's bilateral programme in Mozambique will be review under this process.

Mozambique: Overseas Aid

Douglas Carswell: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what estimate he has made of the proportion of the budgeted expenditure of the government of Mozambique attributable to contributions from his Department in the last year for which figures are available.

Stephen O'Brien: Using an average over the last three years (2007 to 2009), the Department for International Development estimates that 2.2% of the Government of Mozambique's annual budget is General Budget Support from DFID. Our total contribution to the Government of Mozambique's annual budget, including funding provided directly to sectors such as health and education, is approximately 3.7%.

Mozambique: Overseas Aid

Douglas Carswell: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will assess the effect of his Department's direct budget support to the government of Mozambique on the level of that government's expenditure on  (a) arms and  (b) defence.

Stephen O'Brien: The average allocation to spending on defence and arms in Mozambique over the last three years was 3.1% of the budget. Of this, the Department for International Development (DFID) estimates arms expenditure to be less than 10% or 0.31% of the budget. Significant expenditures under the Government of Mozambique's defence budget include strengthening Mozambique's extensive borders, and contributing to de-mining as the country aims to be free of land mines by 2014.
	Donors monitor closely the overall proportion of funding allocated to poverty reduction and raise any concerns about the balance of allocations in dialogue with the Government on budget support. The proportion of Government spending going to pro-poor sectors is above the target agreed with the previous UK Government.
	The Secretary of State has recently commissioned a review of DFID's bilateral aid programme to determine how we can achieve better value for money for the taxpayer and accelerate progress towards the Millennium Development Goals. DFID's bilateral programme in Mozambique will be review under this process.

NGOs: Finance

Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what proportion of his Department's budget will be spent on funding UK non-governmental organisations in 2010-11; and how he expects such spending to change  (a) in cash terms and  (b) as a proportion of his Department's budget in each of the next three years.

Andrew Mitchell: We are unable to provide details of the Department for International Development's (DFID's) spend through UK non-government organisations in 2010-11 at this stage. DFID reports these figures on an annual basis in Statistics in International Development in accordance with the National Statistics Code of Practice.
	Decisions about the amount of funding for UK non-governmental organisations in future years will be taken in the context of the on-going Government wide spending review.

NGOs: Finance

Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what decisions he has taken on Partnership Programme Agreement (PPA) funding for UK non-governmental organisations (NGOs) from April 2011 in relation to the  (a) timetable for NGOs to bid for funding and for his Department to assess the bids and announce their decisions,  (b) number of NGOs to be funded,  (c) budget for PPA funding in (i) 2011-12 and (ii) each of the following two years and  (d) process for consulting NGOs on these matters before they are invited to bid for funding; and if he will make a statement on the Government's policy and priorities for PPA funding.

Andrew Mitchell: The Department for International Development (DFID) is committed to providing support to Civil Society Organisation's (CSO's) who share our aims and objectives and can measure the impact of their work to show greater effectiveness, results and value for money.
	No decisions have yet been taken on the future of the Partnership Programme Arrangement's (PPA's) but I hope to announce details in the near future.

Overseas Aid: HIV Infection

Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much his Department has spent on each type of aid in relation to activities connected with HIV and AIDS in each year since 2005-06.

Stephen O'Brien: Department for International Development (DFID) bilateral and multilateral expenditure on HIV and AIDS activities in each year since 2005-06 are provided as follows.
	
		
			  £ millions 
			   2005-06  2006-07  2007-08  2008-09  2009-10 
			 DFID bilateral expenditure directly HIV and AIDS 130.9 128.7 134.2 158.0 146.3 
			 DFID expenditure on HIV and AIDS through core contributions to multilateral organisations 75.5 101.5 111.4 79.2 144.1 
		
	
	As laid out in the coalition programme, the Government are committed to restricting the spread of major diseases like HIV and AIDS. Details of future support to HIV and AIDS related programmes will be determined in light of the ongoing aid reviews.

St Helena: Airports

Michael McCann: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development 
	(1)  what recent representations he has received on the construction of an airport in St Helena;
	(2)  whether he has received recent representations on the construction of an airport in St Helena;
	(3)  what recent representations he has received on the construction of an airport in St Helena.

Andrew Mitchell: I have received a small number of letters and parliamentary questions about the building of an airport in St Helena.

Turks and Caicos Islands: Overseas Loans

Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development pursuant to the written ministerial statement of 1 July 2010,  Official Report, columns 49-50WS, on the Turks and Caicos Islands, what the total cost to the public purse will be of his temporary package of financial support for the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Andrew Mitchell: We intend the temporary package of financial support to the Turks and Caicos Islands to be at or near zero cost to Her Majesty's Government over the medium term.

Turks and Caicos Islands: Overseas Loans

Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development pursuant to the written ministerial statement of 1 July 2010,  Official Report, columns 49-50WS, on the Turks and Caicos Islands, what conditions have been set for his proposed loan to the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Andrew Mitchell: The UK Government have agreed that in response to a short-term loan of up to £10 million to the Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG):
	1. TCIG will set and deliver an ambitious and sustainable plan with the objective of balancing the TCIG budget at the earliest possible opportunity, and in any case, within three years; and that TCIG will strengthen its capacity to manage its public finances.
	2. The UK Government accepts no legal liability for borrowing for the planned airport runway extension in TCI.
	3. TCIG will provide detailed and frequent financial information to the Department for International Development and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

UN

Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what priorities he has set for the High-Level Plenary Meeting of the UN General Assembly in September 2010, with particular reference to Millennium Development Goal  (a) 4, on child health,  (b) 5 on maternal health, and  (c) 6 on combating HIV/AIDS.

Stephen O'Brien: The UK Government remain determined to use events such as the UN General Assembly meeting in September to urge all countries to sign up to ambitious outcome targets to drive progress towards the attainment of the millennium development goals (MDGs).
	Maternal health is a major priority for the coalition Government and personally championed by the Prime Minister. At the September meeting, we will be supporting the UN Secretary-General's Joint Action Plan to improve the health of women and children. The plan aims to accelerate progress on all three of the health MDGs (4, 5 and 6), as well as MDG 3, to promote gender equality and empower women, and MDG 1, to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger, through efforts to reduce malnutrition.

UN

Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps he plans to take to inform Parliament of the outcomes of the High-Level Plenary Meeting of the UN General Assembly in September 2010.

Andrew Mitchell: I will place a copy of the outcome document from the High-Level Plenary Meeting of the UN General Assembly in the House Library and I will update Parliament of the outcomes secured for achieving the millennium development goals by 2015.

CULTURE MEDIA AND SPORT

Cultural Heritage

Laura Sandys: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport which decisions taken by local authorities under legislation relating to national heritage require his consent before taking effect.

John Penrose: The following decisions taken by local authorities in relation to national heritage have been identified as requiring the consent, approval, confirmation or prior consultation of the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport. The following table is the result of a thorough legislative trawl, however in the interests of the reasonable use of resources and a timely response, it may not be exhaustive and does not refer to decisions relating to national heritage for which the consent of the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government is required.
	
		
			  Provision  Legislation 
			  Acquisition by a local authority by agreement  
			 An authority may acquire by agreement any land that is necessary for preserving a building acquired under s52 of P(LBCA)A 1990 or necessary for preserving amenities or for affording access to it or for its control or management. In this case, unlike the acquisition of the building itself, the authority must (in England) obtain the confirmation of the SoS. Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 ("P(LBCA)A 1990") s52(1)(b) 
			   
			  Confirmation of compulsory acquisition of listed building in need of repair  
			 Local authorities must submit draft compulsory purchase orders to the SoS for confirmation. P(LBCA)A1990 s47(2) 
			   
			  Acquisition of ancient monuments  
			 A local authority may only dispose of an ancient monument situated in England which it owns and which has been the subject of a compulsory purchase order after consulting with the SoS. Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979 ("AMAAA 1979") s30(2) 
			   
			  Guardianship of ancient monuments  
			 With the consent of the SoS (after consultation with EH in relation to a monument in England) a local authority may be designated the guardian of an ancient monument. AMAAA 1979 s12(1) 
			   
			  Compulsory purchase under the Planning Act  
			 Local authorities do not have powers under the AMAAA 1979 to compulsory purchase ancient monuments but they could do so under the TCPA 1990 with consent of SoS. Town and Country Planning Act 1990 ("TCPA 1990") s226(1)(1A) 
			   
			  Urgent works to preserve unoccupied buildings in conservation areas  
			 Local authorities can undertake urgent works to unlisted buildings in conservation areas only once a direction has been made (at their request) by SoS directing that section 54 (re urgent works to listed buildings) shall apply to that unlisted building as it applies to listed buildings - this could be characterised as a form of consent/approval. P(LBCA)A 1990 s.76

Departmental Cars

Andrew Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport how much his Department spent on car hire in each year since 1997.

John Penrose: The amount spent on hire vehicles in each of the last five years is set out in the following table:
	
		
			  Financial year  Total (£) 
			 2005-06 13,947.79 
			 2006-07 16,094.75 
			 2007-08 17,054.99 
			 2008-09 10,823.38 
			 2009-10 4,836.70 
		
	
	Unfortunately we are unable to provide data for the years prior to 2005 as this information is not held on our financial system.

Departmental Contracts

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport whether he has made an estimate of the monetary value of the contracts between his Department and private sector companies which will be cancelled under his Department's planned spending reductions.

Jeremy Hunt: To date, no contracts have been cancelled that relate to the current year. The cancellation of contracts in later years will depend on the outcome of the spending review.

Departmental Sponsorship

Andrew Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport how much his Department spent on  (a) sponsorship of and  (b) attendance at awards ceremonies in each year since 1997.

John Penrose: The information requested is not held centrally by the Department and to obtain it, would incur disproportionate cost.

Departmental Taxis

Andrew Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport how much his Department spent on taxis in each year since 1997.

John Penrose: The total expenditure incurred by the Department on taxis since 1998-99, the earliest year for which information is readily available, is set out in the table:
	
		
			  Financial year  Amount £ 
			 2009-10 18,149 
			 2008-09 32,179 
			 2007-08 36,359 
			 2006-07 38,421 
			 2005-06 21,759 
			 2004-05 22,157 
			 2003-04 21,878 
			 2002-03 16,109 
			 2001-02 20,812 
			 2000-01 26,415 
			 1999-2000 21,686 
			 1998-99 15,891 
		
	
	Some expenditure on taxis and black cabs included under general travel and subsistence account cannot be separately identified except at disproportionate cost.

Departmental Training

Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport how much his  (a) Department and  (b) its agency and non-departmental public bodies spent on training for its employees in each year since 1997.

John Penrose: The Department has spent the following on training in the last five financial years:
	
		
			  Financial year  Spend on training (£) 
			 2009-10 760,080 
			 2008-09 679,198 
			 2007-08 856,504 
			 2006-07 754,417 
			 2005-06 784,431 
		
	
	We do not hold figures for preceding years.
	Information on the amount spent by the DCMS agency and arm's length bodies is held by them and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Flags

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what steps his Department takes to ensure that the Union flag is not displayed upside down on official occasions.

John Penrose: The DCMS has issued guidance on the correct way to fly the Union flag, which is available at the following website:
	http://www.culture.gov.uk/what_we_do/honours/7125.aspx

Gaming Machines

Mark Garnier: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport 
	(1)  what assessment he has made of the effects on the adult gaming centre industry of the introduction of a return to a £2 stake for B3 machines and a proportionate increase in Category B3 numbers;
	(2)  whether his Department plans to introduce  (a) a return of the £2 stake to B3 gaming machines and  (b) a proportionate increase in numbers of B3 machines.

John Penrose: On 23 June 2010, I met representatives of the British Amusement Catering Trades Association (BACTA) to discuss a range of issues affecting the gaming machine industry. This included the case for increasing the stake for category B3 machines to £2 and the proportion of category B3 machines in each establishment as a means of helping the adult gaming centre industry to remain competitive. I am now considering these matters in the context of the public protection objectives of the Gambling Act 2005.
	I hope to make an announcement shortly.

Libraries

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport how much his Department spent on public libraries in each year since 1997.

Edward Vaizey: The Department provides grant in aid funding to the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA), which they use to develop and support museums, library and archive services. The Department does not retain figures from 1997, however total funding allocated to the MLA from 2002-03, excluding funding for Renaissance but including libraries, is outlined in the table:
	
		
			   Grant in aid (£ million)( 1) 
			 2002-03 14.519 
			 2003-04 13.063 
			 2004-05 13.063 
			 2005-06 13.063 
			 2006-07 17.331 
			 2007-08 16.471 
			 2008-09 15.971 
			 2009-10 14.971 
			 2010-11 13.063 
			 (1) Excluding funding for the Renaissance museum project.

National Lottery: Blaenau Gwent

Nick Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport how much Big Lottery funding was awarded to the community and voluntary sector in Blaenau Gwent constituency in 2009-10.

John Penrose: In 2009-10, the Big Lottery Fund made grants totalling £345,066 to the Blaenau Gwent constituency. Of this, 98.38% went to voluntary and community sector (VCS) organisations and 1.62% to non-VCS organisations.

National Lottery: Grants

Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport whether he has carried out an equality impact assessment on his proposed changes to the distribution of lottery funds.

John Penrose: The consultation we are running until 21 August, which is on the Departments' website at:
	http://www.dcms.gov.uk/consultations/default.aspx
	includes a draft impact assessment and specifically asks whether consultees believe, or can provide evidence of, any adverse or positive impacts on particular groups from the change. We are not currently aware of any evidence that suggests there will be adverse impacts but the consultation responses will inform a full equality impact assessment.

National Lottery: Public Participation

Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what account he is taking of the views of those who purchase lottery tickets for the National Lottery in his review of the allocation of proceeds from the National Lottery.

John Penrose: Lottery distributors are already working together to identify best practice and to develop options for increasing public involvement in their decisions about lottery funding.
	A public consultation on our proposed changes to Lottery shares is on the Department's website at:
	http://www.dcms.gov.uk/consultations/default.aspx
	I hope that lottery players, along with all of those who are interested in the lottery, will send their views to
	mailto:lottery@culture.gsi.gov.uk

TRANSPORT

Air Traffic Systems

Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what information his Department holds for benchmarking purposes on the privately-owned air traffic systems of other EU member states.

Theresa Villiers: The Department for Transport receives the reports produced by the independent Performance Review Commission of Eurocontrol, the European Organization for the Safety of Air Navigation, which benchmarks the performance of all en-route air traffic service providers across Europe.

Air Traffic Systems

Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what specific safety criteria and other conditions any organisation seeking to purchase the Government's share of National Air Traffic Services will be required to meet.

Theresa Villiers: No decision on the sale of NATS has been made, and the specific requirements for any potential purchaser of the Government's shareholding of NATS have yet to be determined. Should a sale of some or all of the Government's shareholding proceed, safety oversight measures would continue to apply in the same way they do currently.

Air Traffic Systems

Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment has been made of the potential safety implications of the sale of the Government's share of National Air Traffic Services to a private company.

Theresa Villiers: The Government's overriding priority is that safety should not be compromised and there is no intention to amend the existing robust statutory safety oversight arrangements for NATS.

Air Traffic Systems

Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what mechanisms will be in place to ensure the continued safety of  (a) those working in the aviation industry and  (b) passengers in circumstances in which the Government sells its share in National Air Traffic Services to a private company.

Theresa Villiers: If a decision is made by the Government to sell some or all of its shareholding of NATS, the existing statutory arrangements for the safety oversight of NATS would remain as they are at present.

Association of Train Operating Companies

Adrian Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will designate National Rail as a public company.

Theresa Villiers: The Government have a commitment to reform Network Rail and to make it more accountable to its customers and passengers. The Value for Money Study, chaired by Sir Roy McNulty, is currently examining the structures and incentives of the rail industry to see how best to enable this. No decisions on specific measures have yet been made.

Aviation

William Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport 
	(1)  what recent assessment he has made of the case for additional airport capacity in England;
	(2)  what his policy is on airport expansion outside the South East;
	(3)  whether he intends to publish a national policy statement on aviation.

Theresa Villiers: Individual proposals for airport expansion need to be judged on their merits, taking into account relevant environmental considerations. We have made clear, however, that we oppose new runways at Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted, on the grounds that the adverse impacts of such development would be unacceptable.
	On the matter of national policy statement, the Government will issue a more detailed statement later in the summer.

Aviation: Exhaust Emissions

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he is taking to encourage agreement at global level on reducing aviation emissions.

Theresa Villiers: The UK actively participates in all discussions on climate change and aviation in international forums, and particularly in the UNFCCC and in the aviation specific UN body, the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
	While progress in these forums has been slow, there has been some success, for example in October 2009 agreement was reached in ICAO on a global, annual average fuel efficiency improvement of 2% per annum until 2020 and on an aspirational global fuel efficiency improvement of 2% per annum to 2050. In addition, earlier this year ICAO states agreed that the organisation should work on developing a CO2 standard for new aircraft.
	The steps that have been taken to date in ICAO do not go far enough in delivering a sustainable global aviation industry and the UK will continue to push for an ambitious, global approach to reduce emissions from international aviation.

Aviation: Exhaust Emissions

Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the recommendations of the Committee on Climate Change in its report, Meeting the UK aviation target-options for reducing emissions to 2050, December 2009.

Theresa Villiers: We are committed to reducing emissions from transport and ensuring the right framework is in place for aviation to contribute to the UK's climate stabilisation goals. Making clear our opposition to new runways at Heathrow, Stansted and Gatwick is an important element to that. The Committee on Climate Change's December report was an important contribution to the evidence base, and we will consider the detail of policy and announce our conclusions on the best way to achieve our aims in due course.

Biofuels

William Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport 
	(1)  when his Department plans to publish a National Action Plan for meeting EU biofuel targets;
	(2)  plans to bring forward mechanisms in support for advanced or second generation biofuels and electric-powered vehicles to meet the requirements of EU Directive 98/70/EC;
	(3)  will make a decision on bringing forward legislation on amending the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation scheme to meet the requirements of EU Directive 98/70/EC on environmental quality standards for fuel.

Norman Baker: We are currently working towards implementation of the EU Renewable Energy Directive 2009/28/EC (RED), which requires member states to source 10% transport energy from renewables by 2020. This target was agreed in 2009 and is part of a wider requirement to source 15 per cent of overall energy from renewables by 2020.
	Our assessment of how the RED targets could be met was published in the UK's National Renewable Action Plan in June 2010. This is available on the European Commission's Renewable Energy Transparency Platform and on the Department for Energy and Climate Change's website.
	Detailed options for achieving our renewable energy in transport targets are being considered, and we will be engaging with stakeholders in due course.
	On electric vehicles, the coalition agreement stated that we will mandate a national re-charging network for plug-in vehicles. We are considering a range of options for delivering this and are also reviewing future support for the purchase of low carbon vehicles. We will make a statement in due course on this.

Biofuels

William Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what his Department's policy is on the provision of subsidies for production of second generation biofuels.

Norman Baker: We are currently reviewing options for implementing the EU Renewable Energy Directive and to date have not provided specific subsidies for the production of second generation biofuels.

Bus Services: Concessions

Ian Mearns: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will bring forward proposals to provide free concessionary bus travel for injured veterans.

Norman Baker: holding answer 17 June 2010
	Many seriously injured service personnel and veterans are already eligible for the England-wide free concessionary bus travel scheme by virtue of age or disability. Furthermore, the Department for Transport's guidance on eligibility for disabled people sets out that eligibility for a concessionary bus pass may be considered automatic for injured veterans who are in receipt of war pensioner's mobility supplement, where eligibility is linked to the ability to walk. We are currently considering how to extend the scheme to include automatic eligibility for veterans in receipt of similar awards under the new armed forces compensation scheme.

Bus Services: Concessions

William Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has for eligibility rules on concessionary bus travel in England to 2015-16.

Norman Baker: holding answer 22 July 2010
	The coalition Government have not announced any plans to change the existing eligibility rules on concessionary bus travel in England to 2015-16.
	The Government are considering a possible expansion to the scheme to include automatic eligibility for seriously injured veterans and service personnel who are in receipt of a guaranteed income payment under the new Armed Forces Compensation Scheme and who fall within the categories of disability set out in the Transport Act 2000.

Bus Services: Concessions

William Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he plans to change the age of eligibility for concessionary bus travel in the fiscal period 2011-12 to 2015-16; and if he will make a statement.

Norman Baker: holding answer 22 July 2010
	The coalition Government have not announced any plans to change the age of eligibility for concessionary bus travel in England to 2015-16, beyond those announced by the previous Administration.

Bus Services: Wigan

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport which bus services in Wigan constituency received funding from the Bus Service Operators Grant in the last 12 months for which figures are available.

Norman Baker: All bus operators operating local bus services in Wigan are eligible to claim Bus Service Operators Grant (BSOG), provided they meet the eligibility criteria set out in regulations. This includes, in the Wigan area:
	Arriva
	Finch Coaches
	First Manchester
	Olympia Travel UK Ltd
	South Lanes Travel
	Stagecoach
	Wigan and District Community Transport
	Wigan Buses Ltd
	Wigan council.
	We do not, however, hold information on BSOG payments by individual bus services.

Carbon Dioxide

William Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the effects on levels of carbon dioxide emissions from  (a) biomass-to-liquid biofuels,  (b) cellulosic ethanol biofuels and  (c) biofuels from algae, straw, grass and wood.

Norman Baker: To date, no fuels derived from such sources have been supplied for commercial use in the UK. Therefore, no detailed assessment has yet been made of the greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) associated with these production pathways. We remain interested in emerging biofuels that have the potential to reduce green gas emissions.

Crossrail Line and London Underground

David Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many  (a) discussions,  (b) meetings and  (c) exchanges of correspondence he has had with the Mayor of London on (i) Crossrail and (ii) funding for the London Underground network since his appointment.

Theresa Villiers: Ministers and officials regularly discuss and correspond with the Mayor of London and Transport for London officials on a variety of London transport issues, including Crossrail and funding for the London Underground network.

Cycling: West Midlands

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he intends to take to promote cycling in  (a) the West Midlands and  (b) Coventry.

Norman Baker: The Government made a clear commitment to support cycling in the coalition agreement. In 2010-11, we are funding two cycle towns in the West Midlands (Shrewsbury and Stoke-on-Trent) as well as providing £888,000 to support cycle training for children across the West Midlands, including Coventry. This is in addition to funding provided to West Midlands authorities through the local transport plan process. Financial support for cycling in future years will be considered as part of the spending review.

Dartford-Thurrock Crossing: Tolls

Jackie Doyle-Price: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will assess the merits of ceasing to levy the tolls at the Dartford-Thurrock crossing between 2100 on Friday  (a) 10 September and 0500 on Monday 13 September and  (b) 1 October and 0500 on Monday 4 October 2010 for the purpose of managing additional traffic arising from the closure of the Blackwall tunnel.

Michael Penning: The Highways Agency are liaising closely with Transport for London to ensure effective arrangements are in place for managing additional traffic movements over the Dartford Crossing due to closure of the Blackwall tunnel.
	Any solution will need to take account of the potential benefits and impacts, and the need to maintain the safe operation of the Crossing for the millions of its users.

Departmental Billing

David Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what information his Department holds on the time taken by contractors employed by it to pay the invoices of their sub-contractors under prompt payment arrangements; and if he will make a statement.

Norman Baker: In general, the Department for Transport does not hold information on the time taken by contractors it employs to pay sub-contractors. Although the Highways Agency, for instance, has undertaken some limited sampling of supplier performance in relation to the prompt payment of sub-contractors, it does not have any full, routine, verified system for monitoring supplier performance in this area.
	We are taking the following steps to promote the prompt payment of sub-contractors:
	Our guidance to contract managers is being updated to include a requirement to monitor payment performance as part of the contract management process;
	The current version of the Department's General Conditions of Contract contains a clause requiring its contractors, where they enter into a sub-contract for the purpose of performing their obligations under the contract with the Department, to ensure that a provision is included in the sub-contract to pay the sub-contractor within 30 days of receipt of a valid invoice; and
	Our supplier portal is being updated to give sub-contractors information about how to report non-compliance to the Office of Government Commerce's supplier feedback process.
	We remain committed to paying invoices within five working days and encouraging our suppliers to ensure that the benefits are felt by all in the supply chain.

Departmental Billing

Jeremy Lefroy: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what percentage of payments made by his Department to  (a) small and medium-sized enterprise suppliers and  (b) all suppliers were made (i) within 10 days of receipt of invoice and (ii) on the agreed payment terms in the last three months for which information is available.

Norman Baker: The 10-day target has been replaced with a five-day target, and information is recorded on this basis.
	The percentage of invoices paid within five days of receipt for the Department and its agencies for the past three months is as follows:
	
		
			  Percentage paid within five working days 
			   April 2010  May 2010  June 2010 
			 Central Department 76.5 89.2 89.2 
			 Driving Standards 64.9 85.5 85.3 
			 Driver and Vehicle Licensing 61.8 84.6 84.1 
			 Highways 55.9 58.9 64.0 
			 Maritime and Coastguard 81.1 95.2 93.9 
			 Vehicle Certification n/a 94.7 89.4 
			 Vehicle and Operator Services 78.8 82.2 67.9 
			 Government Car and Despatch 43.7 86.3 85.8 
			 Total 64.8 78.1 77.6 
		
	
	The departmental commercial terms generally specify that payment will be made within 30 days of receipt of a valid invoice.
	The percentage of invoices paid within 30 days of receipt for the Department and its agencies for the past three months is as follows:
	
		
			  Percentage paid within  30  working days 
			   April 2010  May 2010  June 2010 
			 Central Department 100.0 99.7 99.8 
			 Driving Standards 99.8 99.8 99.7 
			 Driver and Vehicle Licensing 99.8 99.8 99.7 
			 Highways 99.3 98.8 98.9 
			 Maritime and Coastguard 99.9 99.9 99.8 
			 Vehicle Certification 99.8 99.6 99.8 
			 Vehicle and Operator Services 99.9 100.0 99.9 
			 Government Car and Despatch 99.5 99.1 99.6 
			 Total 99.7 99.5 99.5 
		
	
	We are unable to provide information separately for small and medium-sized enterprise suppliers.

Departmental Buildings

John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many separate buildings his Department occupies in  (a) London and  (b) elsewhere in the UK.

Norman Baker: The Department for Transport occupies the following headquarter buildings in  (a) London and  (b) elsewhere in the UK:
	 (a) Great Minster House, 55 Victoria Street, Southside, 123 Buckingham Palace Road and 46 Ponton Road.
	 (b) The Axis Building (Nottingham), Morriston (Swansea), Spring Place (Southampton), Eastgate Office Centre and Berkeley House (Bristol).
	Data on the wider buildings occupied in part by the Department for Transport is not centrally recorded and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Departmental Electronic Equipment

Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many hours of training on using  (a) laptop computers  (b) mobile telephones and  (c) Blackberry's was provided to staff of his Department and its agencies in the last three financial years; and at what cost such training was provided.

Norman Baker: The information is as follows:
	 (a) ICT training in the central Department is split into two parts:
	(i) General staff training in the use of equipment for either desktop or laptop computers is provided as part of the initial induction. These data exclude software training.
	
		
			   Hours  Cost (£) 
			 2007-08 391.5 58,692 
			 2008-09 370.5 51,976 
			 2009-10 186 31,659 
			 2010-11 (to date) 24 6,228 
		
	
	(ii) Separate training is also provided for staff working remotely on laptops. Formalised external training began in October 2009.
	
		
			   Hours  Cost (£) 
			 2009-10 (from October) 61 5,709 
			 2010-11 (to date) 19 109 
		
	
	 (b) No formal training is provided for staff for use of official mobile telephones.
	 (c) Information on staff training in the use of BlackBerrys is as follows:
	
		
			   Hours  Cost (£) 
			 2007-08 No central training offered - 
			 2008-09 157 17,520 
			 2009-10 180 15,051 
			 2010-11 (to date) 39 3,114 
		
	
	None of the Department's seven executive agencies either provide formal training or separately record the cost of this.

Departmental Equal Opportunities

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much his Department has spent  (a) in total and  (b) on staff costs on promoting equality and diversity in each of the last three years for which figures are available; and how many people are employed by his Department for this purpose.

Norman Baker: The Department for Transport has spent the following amounts:
	
		
			  (a) Total (including staff costs) in promoting diversity, and fulfilling statutory obligations, in each of the last three financial years 
			   £ 
			 2007-08 496,112 
			 2008-09 705,833 
			 2009-10 1,617,434 
			  Note: With estimated spend of £500,000 planned in 2010-11. 
		
	
	
		
			  (b) Staff costs on promoting equality and diversity and faith in each of the last three financial years 
			   £ 
			 2007-08 384,965 
			 2008-09 406,221 
			 2009-10 442,062

Departmental Official Hospitality

Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much  (a) his Department and its predecessors and  (b) its agencies and non-departmental public bodies spent on hospitality in each year since 1997.

Norman Baker: Expenditure by the Department for Transport on hospitality in the four most recent years was as follows:
	
		
			   £ 
			 2006-07 648,657 
			 2007-08 737,971 
			 2008-09 694,991 
			 2009-10 647,623 
		
	
	Due to a major restructuring of accounting records, expenditure in years prior to 2006-07 cannot be provided on a comparable basis without incurring disproportionate costs.
	A recent departmental exercise to identify discretionary spending savings in 2010-11 showed that we are planning to spend £458,000, £159,000 less than previously estimated.
	The Department adheres to the principles on the management of Public Money as set out in HM Treasury's handbook on Regularity and Propriety and has strict rules and cost limits on such expenditure, which in the main consists of refreshments at meetings with external stakeholders.

Departmental Photographs

Pete Wishart: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much his Department has spent on official photographs of Ministers since the formation of the present administration.

Norman Baker: The Department for Transport has spent £550 plus VAT on official ministerial photographs since the formation of the new Government. The Secretary of State has subsequently directed that future ministerial photographs will be taken by staff of the Department.

Departmental Public Expenditure

Gavin Shuker: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions he has had with Network Rail on the programme areas to be affected by planned reductions in his Department's budget.

Theresa Villiers: Department for Transport Ministers and officials communicate regularly with Network Rail. As part of the Government's in-year efficiency savings announced on 24 May, Network Rail has agreed to pay the Department £100 million during 2010-11. The cancellation of the programme of station enhancements announced in November 2009 will save £50 million. The detail of where further savings are to be made will be decided by Network Rail.

Departmental Regulation

David Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport which of his Department's regulations are under review; and if he will make a statement.

Norman Baker: In the Budget the Government announced plans for reducing the regulatory burdens on business, including the introduction of a one-in-one out system for new regulations and a fundamental review of all regulation inherited from the previous Government scheduled for introduction over the coming year. These regulations will not be implemented until they have been reviewed and re-agreed by the Reducing Regulation Cabinet Committee.
	As part of a wider review of employment law, the Department will also be reviewing laws within relevant policy areas to "ensure they maximise flexibility for both parties while protecting fairness and providing the competitive environment required for enterprise to thrive".
	The Your Freedom website launched by the Deputy Prime Minister on 1 July 2010, will also give members of the public the opportunity to suggest existing regulations for removal, in order to reduce the burden on business.

Departmental Security

Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much  (a) his Department and its predecessors  (b) its agencies and non-departmental public bodies spent on security in each year since 1997.

Norman Baker: The Department for Transport was formed in 2002 and includes the Central Department, seven Executive Agencies and a Shared Service Centre. The Department also sponsors a number of non- departmental public bodies.
	The figures provided (in the table below) for the costs of protective security for this Department, its Agencies and sponsored bodies are from those records available centrally.
	They do not include costs where records are not available centrally or where such records no longer exist. Central records are not to be taken as representative of total costs as there are varying accounting procedures in place across the Department and its Agencies for elements of spend attributed to security costs.
	
		
			   2000-01  2001-02  2002-03  2003-04  2004-5  2005-6  2006-7  2007-8  2008-09  2009-10 
			 DfT(c) N/A N/A. N/A N/A 464,440 659,781 765,023 1,553,983 1,513,937 1,799,993 
			 Agencies and NDPB total 35,874 360,897 1,606,925 2,419,559 2,521,915 2,641,177 2,691,296 3,202,453 4,121,579 4,118,958

Departmental Travel

Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate his Department has made of its expenditure on travel undertaken in an official capacity by each Minister in his Department in  (a) May 2010 and  (b) June 2010.

Norman Baker: As set out in the Ministerial Code each Department will publish, at least quarterly, details of all travel overseas by Ministers. Information for the first quarter will be published as soon as it is ready. All travel is undertaken in accordance with the Ministerial Code.
	I refer the hon. Member to the answer of 22 July 2010,  Official Report, column 508W.

Driving: Licensing

Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many UK driving licences were reported stolen in each county in each year since 1997.

Michael Penning: The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency does not record the number of driving licences reported as stolen, but it does record the number of duplicate driving licences issued due to the licence being reported as lost/stolen/defaced. The following table provides figures for each financial year from 1997. Figures are not available by county and are for GB as a whole.
	
		
			 1997-98 753,091 
			 1998-99 660,995 
			 1999-2000 467,181 
			 2000-01 510,254 
			 2001-02 584,489 
			 2002-03 699,528 
			 2003-04 811,670 
			 2004-05 856,258 
			 2005-06 937,634 
			 2006-07 1,029,527 
			 2007-08 1,144,273 
			 2008-09 1,162,444 
			 2009-10 1,146,685

East Coast Main Line: Travel

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he made of the monetary value of free first class rail travel undertaken by staff of East Coast Main Line in the last 12 months; and what estimate he made of the number of such staff who undertook such travel in that period.

Theresa Villiers: The Secretary of State has made no estimate of the monetary value of free first class travel undertaken by East Coast Main Line staff. Staff travel arrangements, both on and off duty, are the responsibility of the employing train operating company. East Coast Main Line has inherited the employment contracts and policies of National Express East Coast, which provide for staff travel on the usual industry terms.

Electric Vehicles

Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport 
	(1)  what assessment he has made of the effect of ending the electric vehicle consumer incentive on  (a) jobs,  (b) the car manufacturing industry,  (c) carbon dioxide emissions and  (d) levels of air pollution;
	(2)  when he expects to announce his decision on the future of the electric vehicle consumer incentive scheme.

Norman Baker: The Department for Transport is currently considering in detail the provision of direct support for purchases of low-carbon vehicles, including electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, and will make a statement as soon as possible.
	The Secretary of State is aware that supporting green vehicle technology can help the UK meet its environmental obligations and create high-tech low carbon jobs in the UK. The uptake of ultra-low carbon technology will be necessary to meet our national carbon target in the long term and to realise local air quality benefits.
	The recent announcement to support Green Buses and the commitment in the Coalition Agreement to mandate a national charging infrastructure illustrates the Government's commitment to a market for ultra-low carbon vehicles.

Felixstowe-Nuneaton Railway Line

Therese Coffey: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received on his Department's funding for the Felixstowe-Nuneaton freight line; and if he will make a statement.

Theresa Villiers: The Department for Transport has received various stakeholder representations on the funding of the rail links between the UK's major ports and cities, including the route from Felixstowe to Nuneaton on the West Coast Main Line. The upgrade of the Felixstowe-Nuneaton line to facilitate the passage of larger and longer freight trains is part of the £200 million Strategic Freight Network investment programme, funded by the Department for the five years to March 2014. All Government expenditure is under review with decisions to be made in the comprehensive spending review, and the deficit reduction programme takes precedence. However we recognise the importance of this freight infrastructure investment and the benefits it provides.

Hotels

Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much was spent on hotel bills for  (a) Ministers and  (b) officials in his Department and its agencies in each of the last three financial years; and which hotels were used in each case.

Norman Baker: Hotel costs for Department for Transport (c) and four of its agencies are contained in the following table. The information does not differentiate between Ministers and officials. The figures for Department for Transport (c), Driving Standards Agency and Highways Agency-represent bookings through central contracts only.
	
		
			   2007-08  2008-09  2009-10 
			 DfT(c) 404,388 485,198 303,730 
			 DSA 17,776 15,408 18,408 
			 DVLA 856,268 832,256 766,480 
			 MCA 716,601 765,379 841,417 
			 HA 910,264 811,723 531,355 
		
	
	The remaining three agencies could provide the information only at disproportionate cost.
	A list of the hotels used is not held centrally, and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Lobbying

Andrew Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will issue guidance to his Department's  (a) agencies and  (b) non-departmental public bodies on the retention and use of lobbying companies for the provision of lobbying and support services to campaign for increased funding.

Norman Baker: HMT issued guidance to all Departments, agencies and non-departmental public bodies in March 2010, in the form of a document entitled "Reforming Arm's Length Bodies".
	Rule 4 and para 3.1.1. of this document states that
	"ALBs must not use public funds to employ external public affairs or other consultants to lobby Parliament or Government with the principle aim of altering government policy or to obtain increased funding".

London Underground: Finance

Chuka Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport 
	(1)  whether he has had recent discussions with Transport for London on Government funding for options for the southward extension of the Bakerloo line;
	(2)  what recent discussions he has had with Transport for London on Government funding for proposals for extensions to the London Underground network.

Theresa Villiers: Ministers and officials hold regular discussions with Transport for London and the Mayor on a variety of issues, but no recent discussions have taken place focusing specifically on extensions to the London Underground network.

Luton Station

Gavin Shuker: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has for the development of Luton rail station; how much his Department has allocated to Luton for the period of the 2010 Parliament; and if he will make a statement.

Theresa Villiers: Network Rail is continuing to work with local partners to assess what improvements can be delivered at Luton station following the decision to cut the £50 million that had been provisionally allocated to improving the ten priority stations identified in the Station Champions' "Better Rail Stations" report.
	In the meantime, as part of the Thameslink programme, £2.1 million is being spent on work to extend the platforms at Luton station and this is scheduled to be completed by end-October 2010. £250,000 from the Department's Access for All Small schemes fund has also been allocated to improve access at Luton via the footbridge by end-March 2011.

Merchant Shipping

Thomas Docherty: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport with reference to his letter to the hon. Member for Dunfermline and West Fife of 8 July 2010, from which interested parties he has received representations on the effect of the Merchant Shipping (Ship-to-Ship Transfers) Regulations 2010; if he will place in the Library a copy of each such representation; and if he will make a statement.

Michael Penning: holding answer 13 July 2010
	I have received three letters containing representations from my hon. Members for Truro and Falmouth, Waveney, and Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross. Copies of these representations have been deposited in the Library. I have also received a number of oral representations including the British Ports Association and the Chamber of Shipping.
	Two Early Day Motions on the subject of the merchant shipping (ship-to-ship transfers) regulations have been tabled. Details of the early-day motions, and the hon. Members associated with them, are available on:
	http://edmi.parliament.uk/EDMi/EDMList.aspx

Motor Vehicles: Exhaust Emissions

Matthew Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he plans to take to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from motoring; and if he will make a statement.

Norman Baker: We will implement a full programme of measures to ensure that the transport sector contributes to both economic growth and the achievement of the Government's climate change targets. We are considering a wide range of options to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from road transport, including how best to support low carbon vehicles, sustainable biofuels, alternatives to travel and modal shift to other forms of transport. The speed of implementation of any measures that have a cost to the public finances will depend, however, on decisions to be made in the comprehensive spending review.
	The coalition agreement stated that we will mandate a national recharging network for plug-in vehicles, and we are considering a range of options for delivering this. We are also reviewing future support for the purchase of ultra-low carbon vehicles, and we will make a statement on this in due course.

Motorways: England

Paul Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will discuss with his Welsh Assembly Government counterpart the improvement of motorway links between England and Wales.

Michael Penning: I would be happy to discuss any transport issues with my Welsh counterparts. However, any improvements could only be considered once the spending review is finished, and the wider fiscal context is clear.

National Express

Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make it his policy to ensure that National Express Group does not operate in the rail industry after March 2011. [R]

Theresa Villiers: holding answer 19 July 2010
	The Department for Transport will consider any application for a franchise. Such consideration takes account of bidders' previous experience and performance of operating passenger franchises and relevant contracts. Each bid is judged objectively and impartially.

Public Transport: Disability

Nicky Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he plans to take to improve the provision of public transport for physically disabled people  (a) nationally and  (b) in the East Midlands.

Norman Baker: The Department is committed to ensuring that public transport works for everyone, including disabled people.
	By law, all newly built or refurbished public transport vehicles must be accessible to disabled people, including wheelchair users. Over a third of all trains are already accessible, as is half the bus fleet. Deadlines have been set for when all trains, buses and coaches must be accessible. These range between 2015 and 2020.
	Free off-peak local bus travel throughout England has given the opportunity for greater freedom and independence to around 11 million older and disabled people.
	Transport operators also have a legal duty to consider the needs of disabled people when publishing service information and providing booking and other facilities. Disability legislation also covers infrastructure, such as bus and railway stations.
	In addition, the Department's 'Access for All' programme aims to deliver a step-free accessible route to and between platforms at 148 stations across the network, by 2015. In the East Midlands, work has been completed at Sleaford, work is undergoing at Boston, and work is at the design stage at Long Eaton, Loughborough and Wellingborough. Under the Access for All 'Small Schemes' fund, the Department has been able to allocate over £300,000 to stations in the East Midlands for smaller scheme improvements reflecting local needs.
	We are also seeking to ensure that those who travel have the confidence and basic skills to do so; that transport staff have the appropriate training to help people; and that passengers can travel in a safe environment.

Rail Services

William Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what criteria will be used for taking decisions arising from his independent review of the procurement of new rolling stock on  (a) the East Coast Main Line and  (b) the West Coast Main Line; and if he will make a statement.

Theresa Villiers: For the East Coast Main Line, the Intercity Express Programme and any various alternatives will be assessed on standard value for money and affordability criteria.
	After the delivery of the extra 106 Pendolino carriages, there is no further rolling stock procurement currently planned for the West Coast Main Line longer distance services. A procurement for new electric trains to connect Glasgow and Edinburgh with Manchester is under review as part of a re-evaluation of the High Level Output Specification schemes which forms part of the spending review process necessitated by the deficit the Government have inherited from its predecessors.

Railway Stations

Gavin Shuker: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport 
	(1)  what progress his Department has made on implementing the recommendations in the Better Rail Stations review;
	(2)  what recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of facilities at  (a) Luton rail station,  (b) all category B rail stations and  (c) all rail stations operated by First Capital Connect;
	(3)  what assessment he has made of the compliance of Luton rail station with the minimum station standards set out in the report of the Better Rail Stations review.

Theresa Villiers: The "Better Rail Stations" Report highlighted concerns about the state of a number of stations and noted the inconsistent level of facilities at stations. The adequacy of facilities at all stations, including Luton, was considered as part of the review and the report made a number of recommendations around consistent minimum facilities and standards at all categories of stations.
	These, along with other proposals within the report, will be considered as part of our programme for reform of the railways, though the need to address the deficit may have an impact on decisions.
	We propose to grant longer franchises in order to give operators the incentive to invest in the improvements passengers want, including better stations. We are also considering options to alter the balance of responsibility for stations between Network Rail and the train operators.

Railway Stations: Greater London

Chuka Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if his Department will undertake further investigation of options for a station in Brixton on the East London Line Overground extension.

Theresa Villiers: The case for a new station at Brixton High Level was assessed in 2007 by Network Rail as part of the South London Route Utilisation Strategy. The station was found to be unaffordable due to the high cost of construction.
	I am not aware of any material change in circumstances that would mean that a different conclusion would be reached by a further study. Given our current spending restrictions it would not be appropriate for the Department for Transport to spend further money to investigate this issue in advance of the outcome of the spending review.

Railway Stations: Greater London

Chuka Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to make a decision on the South London Route Utilisation Strategy's recommendation that Wimbledon loop Thameslink trains terminate at Blackfriars from 2015.

Theresa Villiers: I anticipate that a decision on this matter will be taken some two years before the date of the timetable change, in line with normal railway industry planning time scales.

Railways

Andrea Leadsom: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the effect of the current economic climate on his plans for high speed rail.

Philip Hammond: holding answer 26 July 2010
	The coalition Government has rejected further capital spending cuts as an easy, but wrong option for tackling the deficit. As the Chancellor said in his emergency Budget speech:
	"Well-judged capital spending by government can help provide the new infrastructure our economy needs to compete in the modern world".
	The planned phased construction of a national high speed rail network means that it can be delivered in an affordable way. And over the long-term it is still expected that passenger demand will continue to grow strongly.

Railways

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will renew the entitlement to benefits in kind for employees of publicly-owned rail companies.

Theresa Villiers: The Secretary of State already requires operators, through their Franchise Agreement, or in the case of publicly owned rail companies, their Service Agreement, to participate in the Rail Staff Travel Scheme. This travel scheme allows staff who possess staff travel to use it on all train operators in Britain, on broadly similar terms to those which applied in 1995.

Railways: Fares

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he plans to take to promote lower railway fares.

Theresa Villiers: holding answer 5 July 2010
	The Government are committed to fairness on rail fares. We hope to be able to keep the current formula for the cap on regulated fares, but we need to wait until further work has been done on the spending settlement before making a final decision on the fare formula for next year.

Railways: Fares

Rehman Chishti: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will take steps to ensure that future rail fare increases in the South East are proportionate to average earnings growth for regular pay for passengers in the South East.

Theresa Villiers: The Government are committed to fairness on rail fares. The present formula provides for annual increases of RPI +3% on South Eastern franchise up to and including 2011 and RPI +1% on other franchises in the South East region. We hope to be able to keep the current formula for the cap on regulated fares, but we will need to wait until further work has been done on the spending settlement before making a final decision on the fare formula for next year.

Railways: Franchises

Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to the written ministerial statement of 17 June 2010,  Official Report, column 58WS, on transport: rail franchising, when he expects to respond to the consultation on the future of rail franchising; when he expects to be in a position to announce a new policy on rail franchises; and if he will make a statement.

Theresa Villiers: The 'Reforming Rail Franchising' consultation document was released on 22 July 2010 and a copy has been placed in the House of Commons Library. It is available on the Department for Transport website at:
	http://www.dft.gov.uk/consultations/open/2010-28/
	The closing date for responses is 18 October 2010. A response to the consultation and an announcement of the Government's future plans will be made after that date.

Railways: Franchises

Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will include in the forthcoming review of rail franchises measures to encourage more flexible fare structures for commuters who work part-time and those who work from home on certain days; and if he will make a statement.

Theresa Villiers: There are ways in which fares structures could be changed to be more flexible using the benefits of smart card technology. The revenue work streams of the rail value for money study being carried out by Sir Roy McNulty is expected to provide valuable input in the medium term.

Railways: High Speed Two

Andrea Leadsom: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent representations he has received on his proposals to link the High Speed Two rail line to Heathrow Airport.

Philip Hammond: holding answer 26 July 2010
	On 21 July Lord Mawhinney published his independent overview of high speed rail access to Heathrow. High Speed Two Ltd (HS2 Ltd) is also doing some detailed work in this area which will take more time to complete. We will therefore carefully consider Lord Mawhinney's recommendations alongside this further work by HS2 Ltd and will announce our conclusions later this year. In addition, the Department for Transport has received a range of correspondence and other representations from interested parties.

Railways: Liverpool

Jonathan Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what information his Department holds on whether peak-time train services on the Manchester-Huddersfield railway line are operating at over-capacity.

Theresa Villiers: The Department for Transport does not hold detailed information for every station stop on individual services on the Manchester-Huddersfield railway line. However, the critical load information for peak services arriving into Manchester Piccadilly during autumn 2009, suggests that some trains on this line are operating at over-capacity.
	First TransPennine Express, the train operator that provides most services on this route may be able to provide more information. First TransPennine Express can be contacted at the following address:
	Customer Relations
	First TransPennine Express
	Freepost
	ADMAIL 3878
	Manchester
	M1 9YB.

Railways: Liverpool

Jonathan Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the economic effects on the North West of the proposed electrification of the Liverpool-Manchester line.

Theresa Villiers: The Department for Transport has assessed electrification of the Liverpool to Manchester line, via Newton-le-Willows, as being high value for money. Electrification of the line, coupled with the introduction of electric trains, would increase train capacity and reduce passenger journey times. It would also help to cut carbon emissions and reduce the cost of running the railway.
	The Government supports rail electrification. However, our priority is tackling the fiscal deficit and Ministers will consider the full range of proposed transport projects in parallel with the spending review process to ascertain what is affordable.

Railways: Manchester

Jonathan Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will provide previously planned new rolling stock for the  (a) Manchester-Glossop and  (b) Manchester-Huddersfield railway line.

Theresa Villiers: The Government recognises the concerns around rail crowding levels on a number of routes into Manchester. However, in view of the pressure on the public finances and the priority we have placed on tackling the deficit, we are reviewing the full range of transport projects to assess them for affordability and value for money. That review includes the carriages in the High Level Output Specification (HLOS) programme which have not yet been contracted.
	I recently visited Manchester to discuss this issue with local stakeholders and I have also met a delegation of MPs from affected constituencies. The outcome of these meetings will be considered as part of the re-assessment of the HLOS carriages programme. Our conclusions will be announced on completion of the Spending Review in the autumn.

Railways: Manchester

Jonathan Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what information his Department holds on whether peak-time train services on the Manchester-Glossop railway line are operating over capacity.

Theresa Villiers: The Department for Transport does not hold detailed information for every station stop on individual services on the Manchester-Glossop railway line. However, the critical load information for peak services arriving into Manchester Piccadilly during autumn 2009, suggests that trains on this line are not currently operating at over-capacity.
	Northern Trains, the train operator that provides these services may be able to provide more information. Northern Trains can be contacted at the following address: Northern Rail Limited, Northern House, 9 Rougier Street, York, YO1 6HZ.

Railways: Overcrowding

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent assessment he has made of levels of overcrowding on commuter rail services into  (a) London,  (b) Birmingham,  (c) Manchester,  (d) Bristol,  (e) Leeds and  (f) Sheffield.

Theresa Villiers: Comprehensive annual assessments are made of the usage of rail commuter services for these cities (London, Birmingham, Manchester, Bristol, Leeds and Sheffield) during the autumn of each year, when commuter demand is at its most stable. The assessments will be published in due course.

Railways: Parking

Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he has made a recent estimate of the average cost to train passengers of parking in a railway station car park; and if he will make a statement.

Theresa Villiers: Parking charges at railway stations are set by train operators or other private sector providers, and are not regulated as part of franchise agreements. The Department for Transport does not hold information on the level of parking charges at individual stations or the average parking charge across the network.

Railways: Travel

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he made of the  (a) operating cost and  (b) public subsidy per passenger made in respect of rail travel (i) on services run by each train operating company and (ii) nationally in the last 12 months.

Theresa Villiers: The Secretary of State for Transport does not estimate the operating cost for each train operating company. This is a matter for the individual train companies. The Secretary of State for Transport does, however, review each train operating company's actual operating costs against their budget. This takes place on a periodic basis as part of his normal review into the financial health of each train company.
	Subsidy per passenger kilometre is published by the Office of Rail Regulation for all train operating companies in its National Rail Trends Yearbook. The most recent figures published are for 2008-09, and can be located on page 59 using the following link:
	http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/upload/pdf/YEARBOOK0809-v22.pdf

Road Traffic Offences: Fines

Peter Bottomley: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will take steps to enable motorists charged under the Traffic Management Act 2004 to pay a charge and to appeal against it.

Norman Baker: We have no plans to adopt the policy the hon. Member suggests. A motorist served with a penalty charge notice for parking in contravention of regulations under Part 6 of the Traffic Management Act 2004 should pay the penalty charge quickly or challenge it if s/he believes that it has been served in error. This does not, of course, apply in cases where the vehicle has been immobilised and/or removed.

Road Traffic: Economic Situation

Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate has been made of the cost to the economy of road congestion in each region in the latest year for which figures are available.

Norman Baker: The 2006 Eddington Study estimated that, using the Department for Transport's National Transport Model, the direct costs of congestion to business could rise by £10-12 billion from 2003 to 2025 (in 2002 prices). Adding in the value of the lost time experienced by other travellers raises this figure to £23-24 billion per annum. This report is available at:
	http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/+/http://www.dft.gov.uk/about/strategy/transportstrategy/eddingtonstudy/researchannexes/
	The following table provides estimates of the cost of congestion to business and other travellers in lost time in 2003 (in 2002 prices) in each English region.
	
		
			  Estimated cost of congestion by English region, 2003, at 2002 prices 
			  Region  £ billion 
			 North East 1.0 
			 Yorks and Humber 1.7 
			 East Midlands 0.9 
			 Eastern England 1.2 
			 South East 1.9 
			 London 5.3 
			 South West 0.7 
			 West Midlands 1.9 
			 North West 1.9 
			 England total 16.5 
		
	
	These figures are based on the difference between the actual time taken to make a journey and the time that would be taken under theoretical 'free-flow' conditions. They do not necessarily represent the net benefit that would result from removing congestion.

Roads: Accidents

Nicky Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport for what reasons the proposed Road Accident In-Depth Study has been cancelled; and whether he has plans for an alternative research project on the causes of road accidents.

Michael Penning: The proposed components of the Road Accident In-Depth Study (RAIDS) relating to on scene accident investigations have not been taken forward this year as it was not affordable given the difficult fiscal circumstances the Government inherited. However, a new integrated RAIDS database has recently been completed containing data from the legacy 'On the Spot' and 'Co-operative Crash Injury Study'. This database will make it easier to make better use of the very extensive data collected in recent years.
	In addition, all fatal accidents are investigated by specialist police accident investigators, and DFT also make extensive use of the police STATS19 data which covers all personal injury road accidents reported to the police. STATS19 includes many items relevant to the causes of accidents, including junction details, weather conditions and the factors that police consider contributed to the accident.

Roads: Construction

David Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what criteria will be used to determine which previously approved road building projects will proceed following the in-year reductions in his Department's budget.

Michael Penning: As part of the £6 billion package of savings announced in May, we announced that the start of works on some road schemes would be postponed. Final decisions on these schemes will be taken following the spending review, and will depend upon the overall level of capital spending agreed across Government.

Roads: Metals

Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will estimate the annual cost to the public purse of substituting  (a) metal and  (b) non-metal replacements for metal items stolen from highways for scrap.

Norman Baker: The Department for Transport has no plans to make such an estimate. It is for each highway authority (or, in the case of utility apparatus covers, the relevant utility company) to determine the most appropriate materials to use in replacing stolen highways ironwork, bearing in mind the particular circumstances of the site in question.

Seafarers

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent discussions  (a) he and  (b) his officials have had with the European Commission on seafarers' pay differentials.

Michael Penning: The Secretary of State met the European Commissioner for Transport, Siim Kallas, on 8 July 2010 and, among other things, discussed differential pay for seafarers.
	Department for Transport officials have discussed seafarers' pay differentials with European Commission officials on various occasions since the Commission first raised their concerns about the UK legislation. Officials from the Department for Transport and the European Commission are next due to meet to discuss this issue on 29 July 2010 in Brussels.

Severn Bridge: Tolls

Paul Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he plans to introduce legislation to enable the use of credit cards for payment for tolls on the Severn crossings.

Norman Baker: In March this year, an amendment was made to the Severn Bridges Regulations to allow card payments to be accepted at the tolls. Work has started to amend the tolling software to accept credit and debit cards, and we hope this will be resolved before the Ryder Cup begins.

Shipping: Pay

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport 
	(1)  what discussions  (a) he and  (b) his officials have held with the British Chamber of Shipping on the Carter Review into seafarers' pay differentials;
	(2)  what discussions  (a) he and  (b) his officials have held with the European Commission on the Carter Review into seafarers' pay differentials; and whether the European Commission has expressed support for the Carter Review recommendations.;
	(3)  whether his Department has received any  (a) legal advice or  (b) guidance from the European Commission over the last five years on the Government's obligations on seafarers pay differentials.

Michael Penning: Since I published the Carter report on 9 June 2010,  Official Report, column 9WS, I and my officials have met representatives from all sides of the industry, including the Chamber of Shipping and trade unions, and heard first-hand their views and concerns on differential pay.
	On 23 June 2010, Department for Transport officials provided European Commission officials with a copy of the Carter review into seafarers' pay. There have been no discussions between the Department for Transport and the European Commission regarding the Carter review.
	The views of the European Commission or its officials on legal issues relating to seafarers' pay differentials have been set out on several occasions in the last five years in correspondence or at meetings with Department for Transport officials.

Transport for London: Finance

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will publish each item of correspondence between Ministers in his Department and the Mayor of London on the budget for Transport for London since his appointment.

Theresa Villiers: The Secretary of State meets and corresponds with the Mayor regularly on London transport issues including Transport for London funding. These discussions are currently taking place in the context of the spending review and it would not be appropriate to release details.

Transport: Greater London

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will publish the  (a) agenda and  (b) minutes of each meeting he has had with the Mayor of London on transport matters since his appointment.

Theresa Villiers: I refer the right hon. Member to my answer given today (UIN 5456).

Vehicle and Operator Services Agency

Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to the answer of 20 July 2010,  Official Report, column 189W, on the Vehicle Operator Services Agency (VOSA), if he will discuss the future of VOSA with the relevant trade unions before any decision on the Agency's future is taken; and whether he  (a) has commissioned and  (b) intends to commission any consultancy advice on the future of VOSA prior to the Comprehensive Spending Review.

Michael Penning: As is normal practice, discussions will be held with the relevant trade unions before any decisions are taken on the future of the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA). No consultancy advice has been commissioned and there are no plans to commission any consultancy advice on VOSA prior to the comprehensive spending review.

Wrexham-Bidston Railway Line: Electrification

Alison McGovern: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent discussions he has had with Welsh Assembly Government Ministers on the electrification of the Wrexham to Bidston rail line.

Theresa Villiers: The Welsh Assembly Government are responsible for Arriva Trains Wales' services between Wrexham and Bidston. We continue to keep in touch with the Welsh Assembly Government and Merseytravel about options for the line.

CABINET OFFICE

Civil Servants: Pensions

Anne McGuire: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what estimate he has made of the change in central Government expenditure on the Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme attributable to the use of the consumer prices index for pension indexation in the next five years.

Francis Maude: The Government have not made a separate estimate of the change in central Government expenditure for the Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme (PCSPS) relating to the announcement at Budget that the uprating of the majority of state benefits, State Second Pension and public service pensions would be moved from RPI to CPI, with effect from April 2011.
	The estimated savings in annually managed expenditure for public service pension expenditure in each year of the forecast period are set out in the following table. These savings form part of the overall savings figures for benefits, tax credits and public service pensions published in line 22 of Table 2.1 in Budget 2010. These figures include savings for the PCSPS, and all other public service schemes apart from the Local Government Pension Scheme.
	
		
			  £million 
			 2011-12 330 
			 2012-13 550 
			 2013-14 880 
			 2014-15 1,290

Civil Servants: Redundancy Pay

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what progress he has made in discussions with the Public and Commercial Services Union on changes to the Civil Service Compensation Scheme.

Francis Maude: Discussions on changes to civil service terms and conditions are conducted with the Council of Civil Service Unions rather than with individual unions.
	I wrote to Paul Noon, chairman of the Council of Civil Service Unions, on 6 July inviting the unions to begin talks on a future compensation scheme with my officials. One key area for discussion is to what extent the future scheme can provide proportionately better terms for the lower paid. I have since met the unions once and my officials have had further meetings with them.

Government Departments: Travel

Tom Watson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will publish the revised travel guidance for Government departments on first class rail travel.

Danny Alexander: I have been asked to reply.
	A revised set of guidance for travel and subsistence has been issued to departments. I shall place a copy of the guidance in the Library.

Jobseeker's Allowance: Lone Parents

Tom Greatrex: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many lone parents in Rutherglen and Hamilton West constituency are in receipt of jobseeker's allowance.

Chris Grayling: I have been asked to reply.
	In May 2010 there were 160 lone parents claiming jobseeker's allowance in Rutherglen and Hamilton West.
	The figure has been rounded to the nearest five.

Manufacturing Industries: Carlisle

John Stevenson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what recent estimate has been made of the proportion of people in Carlisle constituency employed in the manufacturing sector.

Nick Hurd: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the Authority to reply.
	 Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated July 2010:
	As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking what recent estimate has been made of the proportion of people in Carlisle constituency employed in the manufacturing sector. (9317)
	The Office for National Statistics (ONS) compiles employment statistics for local areas from the Annual Population Survey (APS) and its predecessor the Annual Labour Force Survey (LFS) following International Labour Organisation (ILO) definitions.
	The proportion of people of working age who were resident in Carlisle employed in the manufacturing sector was 9.7 per cent. These figures have been taken from the APS for the period January 2009 to December 2009.
	National and local area estimates for many labour market statistics, including employment, unemployment and claimant count are available on the NOMIS website at
	http://www.nomisweb.co.uk

Public Sector: Cumbria

John Stevenson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what his most recent estimate is of the proportion of the working population in  (a) Carlisle constituency and  (b) Cumbria employed in the public sector.

Nick Hurd: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply.
	 Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated July 2010:
	As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking what the most recent estimate is of the proportion of the working population in (a) Carlisle constituency and (b) Cumbria employed in the public sector. (9144)
	The ONS compiles employment statistics for local areas from the Annual Population Survey (APS) following International Labour Organisation (ILO) definitions. Individuals are classified to the public or private sector according to their responses to the APS. Consequently, the classification of an individual's sector may differ from how they would be classified in National Accounts.
	The proportion of the working age population employed in the public sector in the Carlisle constituency is 17.7 per cent and for Cumbria 17.0 per cent. These figures have been taken from the APS for the period January 2009 to December 2009.
	As with any sample survey, estimates from the APS are subject to a margin of uncertainty.
	National and local area estimates for many labour market statistics, including employment, unemployment and claimant count are available on the NOMIS website at
	http://www.nomisweb.co.uk

Public Sector: Manpower

John Stevenson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what proportion of those working in the public sector work in the  (a) education,  (b) health and  (c) local government sectors; and how many work in other sectors.

Nick Hurd: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply.
	 Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated July 2010:
	As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question concerning, what proportion of those working in the public sector work in the (a) education, (b) health and (c) local government sectors; and how many work in other sectors. (9143).
	The requested data are attached at Annex A.
	
		
			  Annex A: Proportion of public sector workers employed in (a) education (b) health (c) local government (d) other sectors and (e) total public sector( 1) 
			  Percentage-Not seasonally adjusted 
			   Health
			   Education( 2)  NHS  Other health and social care( 3)  Local Government( 4)  Other  s ectors( 5, 6)  Total  p ublic  s ector 
			 2010 Q1 23 27 6 48 52 100 
			 (1) Estimates of employment for education, health, local government and other sectors are not mutually exclusive. People employed in education, for example, are also included as part of local government employment estimates. (2) Estimates of employment in 'education' are based on Standard Industrial Classification 2007 Division 80. (3) Estimates of employment in 'other health and social care' are based on Standard Industrial Classification 2007, Divisions 86, 87 and 88. (4 )Includes some employment in 'education' and 'other health and social care'. (5) The public sector comprises central government, local government and public corporations. 'Other sectors', in this context, refers to employment in central Government and public corporations. (6) 'Other sectors', includes employment in the NHS (central Government) and some employment in education and other health and social care.  Source: Office for National Statistics

PRIME MINISTER

Parliament: Security

Jim Shannon: To ask the Prime Minister what steps he is taking to ensure the personal details of security personnel are not disclosed.

David Cameron: It has been the practice of successive Governments not to comment on security matters.

CHURCH COMMISSIONERS

Bishops: Females

Anne McIntosh: To ask the hon. Member for Banbury, representing the Church Commissioners what recent representations he has received on the subject of the appointment of women bishops in the Church of England; and if he will make a statement.

Tony Baldry: I have received numerous representations on the subject of the appointment of Women Bishops in the Church of England. I addressed the General Synod on this matter in York on 10 July 2010, and I have placed a copy of my statement in the Library.

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

Human Trafficking: Prosecutions

Peter Bone: To ask the Attorney-General how many cases have been brought for offences relating to human trafficking in each of the last three years.

Dominic Grieve: The Crown Prosecution Service's records show that, in the last three years, the following prosecutions have been brought on charges under sections 57, 58 and 59 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003, alleging trafficking for the purposes of sexual exploitation:
	
		
			   Number of prosecutions 
			 2007-08 87 
			 2008-09 114 
			 2009-10 102 
		
	
	Prosecutions brought on charges under section 4 of the Asylum and Immigration (Treatment of Claimants) Act 2004, alleging trafficking for other exploitative purposes:
	
		
			   Number  of prosecutions 
			 2007-08 3 
			 2008-09 10 
			 2009-10 19 
		
	
	The data relates only to the number of charged offences which reached first hearing in the magistrates courts.

HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION

Catering

Damian Collins: To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the House of Commons Commission, what proportion of  (a) all food,  (b) meat,  (c) fresh vegetables,  (d) fresh fruit,  (e) frozen vegetables and  (f) eggs procured by the House of Commons Catering and Retail Services in the last 12 months for which figures are available was produced in the UK.

Stuart Bell: No record is held of the country of origin of food procured by the House of Commons catering service and so it is not possible to state the proportion of meat, fresh vegetables, fresh fruit or frozen vegetables produced in the UK in the 12 months to March 2010.
	However, butchery suppliers are periodically required to confirm the country of origin of meat and poultry supplied to the House of Commons, and when this was last done in April 2010, an estimated 0.04% of combined fresh meat and poultry purchases were not of British origin.
	All fresh eggs supplied to the House of Commons in the 12 months to March 2010 were supplied by a British producer in Kent and were BEIC British Lion standard approved.

Catering

Damian Collins: To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the House of Commons Commission, what contracts the House of Commons Department for Facilities has with food producers and suppliers in Kent.

Stuart Bell: The House of Commons catering service purchases most of its food supplies through wholesalers for reasons of economy and logistics. Of the 36 contracts in place for supply of foodstuffs to the House of Commons, one is held by a company based in Kent for the supply of fresh eggs. No record is held of the number of food producers and suppliers in Kent who might be indirectly supplying the House of Commons through these wholesale suppliers and intermediaries.

Members' Staff: Termination of Employment

Grahame Morris: To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the House of Commons Commission, how many staff of hon. Members received P45 forms at the last payroll due to the transfer of staff pay functions to the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority; how many staff of hon. Members were removed from the Parliamentary ICT system as a result; and how many complaints the House of Commons Service and PICT have received from hon. Members or their staff about this matter.

Stuart Bell: A total of 149 staff of hon. Members received P45 forms at the last payroll due to the transfer of staff pay functions to the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority. Some of the staff who had been issued P45s were incorrectly placed on a list of leavers, and three staff of hon. Members were temporarily removed from the Parliamentary ICT system as a result. On 7 July 2010 the Department e-mailed or wrote to all of the employees affected to apologise for any distress they had suffered. 12 complaints about the matter were received by the House of Commons Service and PICT from hon. Members or their staff.

ELECTORAL COMMISSION COMMITTEE

Democracy Diversity Fund

John Robertson: To ask the hon. Member for South West Devon, representing the Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission, what recent representations the Electoral Commission has received on the introduction of a democracy diversity fund.

Gary Streeter: The Electoral Commission informs me that it has received no recent representations on the introduction of a democracy diversity fund.

Absent Voting

Philip Davies: To ask the hon. Member for South West Devon, representing the Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission what assessment the Electoral Commission has made of the extent of misuse of postal voting at the last general election.

Gary Streeter: The Electoral Commission informs me that it is working with the Association of Chief Police Officers to collate information about all reported cases of alleged electoral malpractice, including those relating to postal voting.
	The Commission and ACPO will publish in January 2011 an analysis of cases of alleged malpractice reported during 2010, including any cases relating to the May 2010 UK parliamentary general election. This will include the status of any cases relating to allegations of specific postal voting offences and the outcome where cases have been resolved.

Carlisle City Council: Constituencies

John Stevenson: To ask the hon. Member for South West Devon, representing the Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission when the next review of local government ward boundaries for Carlisle Council will take place.

Gary Streeter: The Local Government Boundary Commission for England informs me that it has no current plans to carry out an electoral review of Carlisle city council.

BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS

Banks: Interest Charges

Sarah Newton: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he plans to take to regulate interest rates charged by banks on unauthorised overdrafts.

Edward Davey: The coalition Government are committed to introducing stronger consumer protections, including measures to end unfair bank charges as set out in the coalition agreement. BIS is working with the Treasury on this issue and will be coming forward with measures in due course.

Broadband: Blaenau Gwent

Nick Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many households in Blaenau Gwent constituency he expects to be able to access broadband of 2mpbs or faster by December 2012.

Edward Vaizey: This Department has made no assessment of the number of households in the Blaenau Gwent constituency expected to be able to access 2 Mbps by 2012. However, Broadband Delivery UK is assessing current broadband provision at community level in its work on delivery of universal service commitment and next generation broadband access.

Business: Government Assistance

James Wharton: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills when he expects Grant for Business Investment funding provided through regional development agencies to be resumed.

Mark Prisk: The recent Budget announced that the regional development agencies (RDAs) are to be abolished. In advance of the forthcoming Spending Review, any financial commitments that the RDAs wish to enter into from and including 2011/12 require the approval of both this Department and HM Treasury. This applies to Grant for Business funding as it does to all business support delivered by the agencies.

Business: Government Assistance

Richard Fuller: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many businesses in Bedford constituency received support from the Capital for Enterprise Fund in the last 12 months.

Mark Prisk: The Capital for Enterprise Fund has not made any investments in the Bedford constituency. Overall, the fund has made investments in 38 businesses with a total value of £50.8 million.

Business: Government Assistance

James Wharton: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills when the review of the Grant for Business Investment and other Solutions for Business products will be completed; and if he will make a statement.

Mark Prisk: All Solutions for Business products are being looked at as part of the Department's Spending Review settlement, which is due to be published on 20 October 2010.

Business: West Midlands

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what plans he has to consult businesses in  (a) the West Midlands and  (b) Coventry on the effect on the region of reductions in government expenditure.

Mark Prisk: As part of the SR engagement process, the Government are committed to engaging with and involving the whole country in the difficult decisions that will have to be taken, this includes businesses, large and small. Doing so will demonstrate that the Government believes there is a more open, transparent and collaborative approach to solving problems than has been the case in the past.
	Ministers have been engaging with a variety of groups, individuals, public sector workers and organisations from all over the country via websites such as the Spending Challenge:
	http://spendingchallenge.hm-treasury.gov.uk/
	Ministers will continue to engage over the summer.

Cairn Energy

Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what Cairn Energy and Capricorn Oil Ltd projects have received assistance through the Export Credits Guarantee Department in the last three years.

Edward Davey: None.

Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme

Nicky Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what steps his Department has taken to monitor the financial and regulatory costs to businesses of participation in the Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme since the publication of the impact assessment.

Gregory Barker: I have been asked to reply.
	Government have not undertaken any additional assessment on the financial and regulatory costs since publication of the Final Impact Assessment in January 2010. Registration for participation in the scheme opened on 1 April and closes on 30 September and we have no reason to question the assessment made at the start of this year. The Final Impact Assessment estimated the net benefits overall of the scheme to be £3,800 million. We will keep the operation of the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme under review.

Consumers: Protection

Gregg McClymont: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills when he plans to bring forward proposals to achieve the commitment in the Coalition Agreement to introduce stronger consumer protections; and if he will make a statement.

Edward Davey: Progress has already been made in a number of areas to improve consumer protection.
	On 12 July I announced that the Government had reached agreement with the credit reference industry to give consumers easier access to their credit reports, and continued free access to credit reports for victims of identity fraud and the financially vulnerable. On the same date I also announced moves to strengthen consumer protection around holiday timeshares, with a consultation on the transposition of the EU timeshare directive.
	On 14 July I announced a review of consumer credit and personal insolvency and my Department will be issuing a formal call for evidence following the summer recess. This is an opportunity to improve the safeguards on consumer credit products, where this is necessary, and in particular to ensure that people get fair deals on credit cards, loans and other products on the market, and improving access for the financially excluded.
	I am currently reviewing the regulatory framework for consumer protection, including the role of all publicly funded consumer bodies. I am also reviewing options for action to end unfair bank and financial transaction charges. Further announcements will be made in due course.

Departmental Billing

Jeremy Lefroy: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what percentage of payments made by his Department to  (a) small and medium-sized enterprise suppliers and  (b) all suppliers were made (i) within 10-days of receipt of invoice and (ii) on the agreed payment terms in the last three months for which information is available.

Edward Davey: In the last three months, BIS has paid the following percentages of invoices:
	
		
			  Percentage 
			  Month  Within 5 working days( 1)  Within 10 working days  Within 30 calendar days( 2) 
			 April 2010 n/a 93.2 99.5 
			 May 2010 94.6 n/a 99.7 
			 June 2010 93.7 n/a 99.7 
			 (1) From May 2010, the requirement to monitor and report payment performance against 10-working days was changed to five working days; 10-day payment performance for May and June has not been recorded. (2) BIS' standard agreed payment terms are payment in 30-days of receipt of a valid invoice. 
		
	
	BIS does not currently record and publish information about the size of suppliers as this does not fully reflect the number and size of businesses engaged in supplying goods and services. We do not discriminate by size of business because many SMEs can be found within larger supply chains.

Departmental Official Hospitality

Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how much his Department spent on hospitality for events hosted by each Minister in his Department in  (a) May and  (b) June 2010.

Edward Davey: £150 in total.

Departmental Overseas Visits

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how much expenditure has been incurred by his Department on overseas travel in respect of each Minister in each year since its inception and 6 May 2010; what the  (a) departure date,  (b) return date and  (c) destination was in each such case; what class of travel each Minister travelled; how much was claimed on travel and subsistence by each Minister on each visit; if he will place in the Library a copy of the itinerary for each such visit; and if he will make a statement.

Edward Davey: A list of all overseas visits undertaken by this Department's Ministers since the inception of the Department until 31 March 2008 and costing in excess of £500 were published on the Cabinet Office website. Copies of this information are also available in the Library. Details for 2009-10 and 2010-11 Q1 expenditure will be made available shortly.
	The information includes name, date, destination, purpose of the trip and cost by each Minister. More detailed information could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Departmental Publications

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what the cost to the public purse of the literature produced by his Department and its predecessors has been in each year from 1997 to May 2010; and if he will make a statement.

Edward Davey: The Department produces many pieces of literature annually, as did its predecessors. Much of this activity is not controlled centrally and information about its costs could be assembled only at disproportionate cost.

Departmental Travel

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what the budget was for ministerial travel in his Department and its predecessors in each year since 1997; how much was  (a) spent and  (b) unspent in each year; and if he will make a statement.

Edward Davey: Budgets are not set at this level.
	Information regarding BIS Ministers' overseas travel up to 2008-09 which was originally published on the Cabinet Office website is available in the Library.
	Information for 2009-10 will be available shortly.

East of England Development Agency: Lobbying

Andrew Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the answer of 15 June 2010,  Official Report, column 391W, on regional development agencies, and with reference to the answer of 22 March 2010,  Official Report, column 150W, on the East of England Regional Development Agency: public relations, if he will make an assessment of the compatibility of the East of England Development Agency's public affairs contract with Fishburn Hedges with his Department's guidance on hiring lobbyists; and how much that regional development agency has spent to date on public affairs consultants.

Mark Prisk: The East of England Development Agency's public affairs contract with Fishburn Hedges ended in January 2010.
	Payments to Fishburn Hedges to date are as follows:
	
		
			   £ 
			 2005 81,905.26 
			 2006 168,483.98 
			 2007 222,570.74 
			 2008 73,285.76 
			 2009 91,116.54

EU Grants and Loans

Roberta Blackman-Woods: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what recent representations he has received from regional development agencies on the future of the European Regional Development Fund.

Mark Prisk: The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills has received no official representation from the regional development agencies on the future of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). RDAs have, however, made informal inquiries to Government on the future of the ERDF and guidance has been provided, where possible.

Foreign Investment in UK: China

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what the monetary value was of foreign direct investment from China  (a) in total and  (b) in each sector in each of the last five years. [R]

Mark Prisk: The available data is shown in the following table. Updated figures are due to be available from the Office for National Statistics on 3 February 2011.
	
		
			  £ million 
			   Net foreign direct investment flows into the United Kingdom from China  Net FDI international investment position in the United Kingdom from China 
			  Industrial activity of UK affiliates  2004  2005  2006  2007  2008  End 2008 
			 Total -26 13 12 16 -20 202 
			 Agriculture, forestry and fishing - - - - - - 
			 Mining and quarrying (including oil/gas) - - - - - - 
			 Food products - - - - - - 
			 Textile and wood, printing and publishing (1)- - - 0 (1)- (1)- 
			 Chemical, plastic and fuel products (1)- (1)- - 0 (1)- (1)- 
			 Metal and mechanical products - - - - - - 
			 Office, IT and communications equipment - - - 0 - - 
			 Transport equipment - (1)- (1)- 0 (1)- (1)- 
			 Other manufacturing - - - 0 (1)- (1)- 
			 Electricity, gas and water - - - - - - 
			 Construction - (1)- (1)- 0 (1)- (1)- 
			 Retail/wholesale trade and repairs (1)- 9 7 11 0 59 
			 Hotels and restaurants - - - - - - 
			 Transport and communications 0 0 2 1 (1)- 1 
			 Financial services (1)- (1)- (1)- 1 0 (1)- 
			 Real estate and business services 0 1 (1)- 1 0 6 
			 Other services - - - 0 (1)- (1)- 
			 '-' Indicates that no data was returned (1) Indicates that data is disclosive and cannot be published  Source: ONS Business Monitor MA4, Tables 5.3 and 6.3

Further Education: Capital Investment

David Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how much capital support grant each further education college in London will receive in 2010-11.

David Willetts: As set out in the following table 14 Greater London colleges including three sixth form colleges are due to receive grants amounting to £114 million in 2010-11 subject to receipt of eligible claims. 22 Greater London colleges are also eligible to apply for the £50 million Renewal and Enhanced Renewal fund as part of the additional £50 million capital funding announced by the Chancellor on the 24 May.
	
		
			  College name  2010-11 total grant profile (£) 
			 Barnet College 4,335,537 
			 Bromley College 1,878,901 
			 City of Westminster College 40,543,381 
			 Coulsdon College 6,456 
			 Croydon College 17,374,577 
			 Lambeth College 27,376 
			 Leyton College 3,947,795 
			 Orpington College 4,872,156 
			 South Thames College (including the former Merton College) 10,119,097 
			 St Dominic's Sixth Form College 9,105 
			 Tower Hamlets College 175,000 
			 Uxbridge College 8,634 
			 West Thames College 30,944,021 
			 Westminster Kingsway College 366,362 
			  114,608,398 
		
	
	 Eligible colleges for Renewal Grant and Enhanced Renewal Grant
	Barking College
	Bexley College
	Carshalton College
	College of Haringey, Enfield and North
	East London
	Greenwich Community College
	Harrow College
	Havering College of Further Education
	Hillcroft College
	Kensington and Chelsea College
	Kingston College
	Lewisham College
	Mary Ward Centre (The)
	Newham College of Further Education
	Redbridge College
	Richmond Adult Community College
	Richmond upon Thames College
	Southgate College
	Southwark College
	Tower Hamlets College
	Uxbridge College
	Waltham Forest College
	Workers' Educational Association
	Working Men's College (The)

Further Education: Finance

Jack Dromey: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what proportion of total spending on further education colleges was allocated in respect of  (a) staff costs related to teaching and  (b) all staff costs in the latest period for which figures are available.

David Willetts: Funding is allocated to further education (FE) colleges and other training organisations for delivery of further education and skills training.
	As autonomous bodies it is for FE colleges to determine the amount of funding they spend on teaching and other staff costs in order to deliver this provision.
	Each college publishes their own accounts. The Skills Funding Agency summarises information from all college accounts on their website:
	www.skillsfundingagency.bis.gov.uk

Higher Education

Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills whether he plans to revise the system by which private higher education institutions are granted degree awarding powers; and what his Department's plans are for private higher education institutions and their ability to award qualifications.

David Willetts: There are no immediate plans to change the system by which private sector organisations are granted degree-awarding powers but this is an area which we will keep under review.

Higher Education: Admissions

Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he plans to take to encourage access to higher education for those from low income backgrounds.

David Willetts: holding answer 22 July 2010
	The need to attract more students from disadvantaged backgrounds into higher education is written into the coalition agreement. This makes clear that once Lord Browne's Independent Review of Higher Education funding and student finance has reported, its proposals will be judged against the Coalition's agreed criteria, which include increasing social mobility and attracting more students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Higher Education: Finance

David Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what recent discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on levels of expenditure on higher education.

David Willetts: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State regularly discusses a range of subjects with my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer, including higher education.

Higher Education: Per Capita Costs

Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what the average cost to the public purse was of an undergraduate university course in the latest period for which figures are available.

David Willetts: There is no published estimate of the overall average cost to the public purse of an undergraduate university course due to differences in the definitions of which students are eligible for teaching grant and student support. Estimates are however available of expenditure per receiving student per year for each of these components separately:
	Teaching expenditure-in academic year 2008/09 the average teaching grant expenditure per funded student (both undergraduate and postgraduate) was around £4,200 per year.
	Student support expenditure-in 2008/09 around 870,000 students were awarded student support in the form of grants and/or loans. In total £1.136 billion was received in grants at an average of £1,300 per student awarded student support. Maintenance and fee loans for these students totalled £4.698 billion, which would have an average budgetary cost(1) per student awarded student support of around £1,500.
	(1) The budgetary cost represents the future cost to government of subsidising and writing off the loans issued.

Higher Education: South Yorkshire

Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many young people resident in Don Valley constituency entered  (a) higher education and  (b) university in each of the last 12 years.

David Willetts: The Department does not hold constituency-level data for students studying higher education courses at further education colleges. It is, therefore, not possible to provide the numbers of all young higher education entrants from the Don Valley constituency.
	The numbers of young (under 21) undergraduate entrants, from the Don Valley constituency, to UK higher education institutions (universities and higher education colleges) are provided in the table as an alternative. Figures are taken from the Higher Education Statistics Agency Student Record and are provided for the academic years to 1997/98 to 2008/09. Data for the 2009/10 academic year will become available from January 2011.
	
		
			  Young( 1)  undergraduate entrants( 2)  from the Don Valley constituency( 3) , UK higher education institutions( 4) , academic years 1997/98 to 2008/09 
			  Academic year  Young undergraduate entrants 
			 1997/98 280 
			 1998/99 310 
			 1999/2000 310 
			 2000/01 275 
			 2001/02 330 
			 2002/03 325 
			 2003/04 325 
			 2004/05 340 
			 2005/06 390 
			 2006/07 335 
			 2007/08 340 
			 2008/09 385 
			 (1) Young refers to entrants aged under 21. (2 )Covers entrants to both full-time and part-time courses. (3 )The table does not include entrants where the constituency of the student cannot be established due to missing or invalid postcode information. (4 )Excludes the Open university due to inconsistencies in their coding of entrants across the time series.  Notes:  1. Figures are based on a HESA snapshot population as at 1 December. 2. Figures are rounded to the nearest five.  Source  Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) Student Record.

Methyl Bromide

Jackie Doyle-Price: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many representations he has received on the prohibition of methyl bromide by the EU; and what alternative fumigants to methyl bromide are available for the treatment of timber and timber products.

James Paice: I have been asked to reply.
	The use of methyl bromide as a pesticide was reviewed by the European Commission during 2008 as part of the ongoing review of the safety of all pesticides and as a result methyl bromide was found to have harmful effects on human health. It was therefore made illegal to use the substance as a pesticide after 18 March 2010. Consequently, the use of methyl bromide is no longer allowed under EU Regulation 1005/2009 on substances that deplete the ozone layer.
	The Secretary of State has received no representations on the prohibition of methyl bromide by the EU. However Lord Henley and I have both responded to correspondence from MPs about the use of methyl bromide in the fumigation of willow for cricket bats for export to India. The Department has also received representations from the Specialist Cheesemakers Association.
	Currently, there is no alternative fumigant approved under international agreements for the phytosanitary treatment of timber or wood products.

Overseas Trade: Israel

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what recent estimate he has made of the number of jobs in the UK that are dependent on trade with Israel; and if he will make a statement. [R]

Mark Prisk: Estimates regarding the total number of jobs in the UK dependent on trade with any particular country are not available. There is no requirement for companies to notify UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) of their international activities. UKTI only has access to trade and investment figures relating to projects where UKTI or its regional partners were specifically involved. These figures will not realistically reflect the number of jobs that are dependent upon trade with Israel.
	UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) is the Government Department with responsibility for helping British companies succeed overseas and attracting foreign direct investment into the UK.

Postal Workers: Cycling

Julian Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has made of the environmental effects of Royal Mail's plans to phase out the use of post-bikes.

Edward Davey: Decisions regarding the methods used for its delivery operations are the responsibility of Royal Mail's management team and not matters for Government. As the level of packets and parcels in delivery rounds increases, due to growth in goods ordered online, the daily mailbag may not in many cases be suitable for carriage on bicycles and it is vital that the company delivers the mail as efficiently and effectively as possible.
	Royal Mail always considers the environmental impact of any operational changes it makes. They have reduced their greenhouse gas emissions by more than 12% since 2004-05 (transport-related emissions have reduced by 9.8%) and are wholly committed to achieving even more stretching reductions in years to come. The group achieved a reported reduction in its greenhouse gas emissions of 26,797.1 tonnes in 2008/09.

Regional Development Agencies: Land

Roberta Blackman-Woods: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what plans he has for the land assets held by each regional development agency following dissolution.

Mark Prisk: Regional development agencies own a range of land assets which were acquired for regeneration purposes. Some of these assets may be sold by Agencies as part of their normal programme of disposal over the next year. We will be discussing with RDAs, their partners and other Departments the future ownership of assets. No final decisions have been made.

Research: Standards

Nicky Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what his most recent estimate is of the cost to the public purse of the Research Excellence Framework.

David Willetts: The Higher Education Funding Council for England, and higher education funding bodies elsewhere in the UK, have together incurred costs of £1.4 million developing the Research Excellence Framework (REF) during 2009-10. The results of REF will inform 5-6 years of research funding allocations (which currently amount to over £1.6 billion pa in England).

Sheffield Forgemasters

Clive Betts: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills 
	(1)  on what date  (a) he,  (b) each other Minister in his Department and  (c) each official in his Department who was involved in decision-making on the proposed loan to Sheffield Forgemasters was first aware of the contents of each piece of correspondence from Andrew Cook to his Department referred to during the debate on 21 July 2010,  Official Report, columns 523-32, what discussions he has had with ministerial colleagues on this correspondence; on what date such discussions took place; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  whether  (a) Ministers and  (b) officials in his Department had discussions with (i) the Chairman, (ii) any representative and (iii) any employee of William Cook Holdings Ltd on matters relating to the withdrawal of the proposed loan facility to Sheffield Forgemasters on 21 July 2010;
	(3)  what  (a) meetings,  (b) telephone discussions and  (c) correspondence (i) he and (ii) his officials have had with (A) Andrew Cook, owner of William Cook Holdings Ltd and (B) employees and representatives of the company on Sheffield Forgemasters since 7 May 2010; on what dates such contact took place in each case; what the outcome of each such contact was; and if he will make a statement.

Mark Prisk: Mr Cook sent an email to my constituency address on 25 May. I forwarded it to my BIS private office on the same day. Mr Cook then emailed the advice he had received from Linklaters directly to my Private Office on 9 June.
	Mr Cook's representations were subsequently circulated to a small number of officials within the Department, including three senior civil servants (Janice Munday, Mike Keoghan and Aileen Boughen). My Private Office responded to both of Mr Cook's emails thanking him for sharing his concerns and saying that they had been noted.
	The Department has had no meetings with any representatives of William Cook Holdings on the subject of Sheffield Forgemasters. Following your request for a copy of the representations from Mr Cook in your letter to me of 30 June, an official wrote to Mr Cook on 16 July, in accordance with the best practice set out by the Information Commissioner for consulting third parties in relation to requests for information made under the Freedom of Information Act. The same official also had brief telephone conversations with Mr Cook on 16 July and 21 July.
	There were no discussions between BIS Ministers about Mr Cook's representations prior to their disclosure to you.

Students: Finance

William Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has made of the range of revenues which could accrue to universities in England through the introduction of tuition fees varied  (a) by academic institution and  (b) by degree programme; and if he will make a statement.

David Willetts: Variable tuition fees were introduced in England in 2006, following the Higher Education Act 2004, which allows universities to set any fee up to a maximum of £3,290 (in 2010-11).
	The future of fees policy is currently being reviewed by the Independent Review of Higher Education Funding and Student Finance, led by Lord Browne. The Review will consider how to ensure a properly funded university sector in a way which is more financially sustainable than the current system, and it is looking at a wide range of options. It will report in the autumn.

Students: Finance

Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has made of the effect of a graduate tax on the number of available university places; and if he will make a statement.

David Willetts: The Independent Review of Higher Education Funding and Student Finance, led by Lord Browne, has been tasked with making recommendations to Government on the future of fees policy and financial support for students in England. The review will consider how to ensure a properly funded university sector in a way which is more financially sustainable than the current system. The review is looking at a wide range of options, including the feasibility of a progressive graduate contribution tied to earnings. It will report in the autumn.

Students: Loans

Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills if he will bring forward proposals to increase the maintenance loan available to students from January 2011 to reflect the change in living costs attributable to the proposed rise in the standard rate of value added tax.

David Willetts: The student maintenance loan has been set for the 2010/11 academic year and we have no plans to change it. No decision has been made on the level of maintenance loan for future years.

COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Betting Shops: Greater London

David Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what representations he has received from the Mayor of London on planning and betting shops in London since his appointment.

Bob Neill: No representations have been received. Gambling Policy is a matter for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Council Housing: Young People

David Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what estimate he has made of the number of people under the age of 18 years who have applied for local authority housing in each of the last five years.

Andrew Stunell: This information is not collected centrally.

Departmental Billing

Jeremy Lefroy: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what percentage of payments made by his Department to  (a) small and medium-sized enterprise suppliers and  (b) all suppliers were made (i) within 10 days of receipt of invoice and (ii) on the agreed payment terms in the last three months for which information is available.

Bob Neill: Communities and Local Government do not differentiate payments by supplier size as we have determined to pay all suppliers within 10 days.
	The percentage of supplier invoices paid within 10 days of receipt in April 2010 was 90.89%, in May it was 92.23% and in June it was 93.76%. We do not record payment data against agreed payment terms.

Deprived Areas: Peterborough

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government which lower layer super output areas in Peterborough constituency are in the 10 per cent. most deprived such areas in the country.

Bob Neill: There are 69 Lower Super Output Areas (LSOAs) that have their central point within the Peterborough constituency of these 11 (16%) are amongst the 10% most deprived areas in England as defined by the Indices of Deprivation 2007. Table 1 lists these 11 areas and their IMD scores and ranks (with one being the most deprived and 32,482 being the least deprived).
	
		
			  Table 1: LSOAs in Peterborough constituency which are amongst the 10% most deprived in England: 
			  LSOA Code  LSOA  Name  IMD2007 Score  IMD2007 Rank 
			 E01015609 Peterborough 007B 61.13 803 
			 E01015607 Peterborough 007A 52.06 1937 
			 E01015616 Peterborough 013F 49.68 2379 
			 E01015658 Peterborough 007E 48.99 2499 
			 E01015600 Peterborough 014B 48.29 2625 
			 E01015604 Peterborough 010B 48.12 2652 
			 E01015663 Peterborough 009D 47.67 2744 
			 E01015664 Peterborough 009E 47.23 2828 
			 E01015599 Peterborough 014A 47.19 2836 
			 E01015611 Peterborough 013B 47.05 2866 
			 E01015657 Peterborough 007D 45.52 3209 
		
	
	Table 2 shows the distribution of LSOAs and people in the Peterborough constituency across the deciles of the Indices of Deprivation
	
		
			  Table 2: Neighbourhoods and population of Peterborough constituency in IMD 2007 deciles 
			  IMD Decile  Number of LSOAs  Population  Percentage of population 
			 1(1) 11 17,358 16 
			 2 9 14,571 14 
			 3 17 26,517 25 
			 4 6 8,061 8 
			 5 6 8,847 8 
			 6 4 5,634 5 
			 7 4 6,309 6 
			 8 6 9,984 9 
			 9 5 6,816 6 
			 10(2) 1 1,458 1 
			 Total 69 105,555  
			 (1) Most deprived (2) Least deprived

Fire Services: Contracts

Gordon Henderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what cancellation charges apply in respect of each of the contracts awarded under the FiReControl Project.

Bob Neill: The only FiReControl contracts to which significant cancellation charges could apply would be the contracts awarded to EADS to develop the IT solution and to VT Flagship for facilities management. If any cancellation charges were applied, these could vary significantly depending on the circumstances in which the contracts were cancelled. Specific arrangements set out in these contracts cannot be disclosed due to commercial confidentiality.

Floods: Cumbria

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what assessment he has made of the role of the Government Office for the North West in the response to the 2009 Cumbrian floods; and how he expects that role to be fulfilled in future.

Greg Clark: The Cumbria floods in 2009 clearly showed how local people, local government, emergency services and central government effectively worked together on an emergency response and the ongoing recovery.
	I refer the hon. Member to the written ministerial statement made to the House on 22 July 2010,  Official Report, columns 27-28WS, on regional government in which we state that there are, however, some Government office functions, such as arrangements for resilience and civil contingencies, which will need to continue. The spending review process will be used to test which activities currently carried out by the Government offices should continue, and to decide the most cost-effective ongoing arrangements.

Government Office for the North West

Julie Hilling: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many third sector organisations, community groups and voluntary groups have been assisted by the Government Office for the North West in the last three years.

Greg Clark: GONW typically works through intermediaries rather than direct intervention with individual organisations.

Government Office for the North West

Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what recent representations he has received on the future of the Government Office for the North West; and when he expects to announce his decision on the future of the Office.

Greg Clark: The Secretary of State has received seven representations regarding the future of Government office for the north-west to date.
	I refer my hon. Friend to the written ministerial statement on regional government made to the House on 22 July,  Official Report, column 27-28WS.

Government Offices for the Regions

Louise Ellman: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what formal consultation his Department has undertaken in relation to his review of regional Government offices.

Greg Clark: The coalition Government's 'Programme for Government' published on 20 May stated that
	"we will abolish the Government Office for London and consider the case for abolishing the remaining Government Offices".
	We have received a wide range of representations following its publication.
	Consultation has taken place with staff, trade unions, and sponsor Departments. Local authorities were asked to submit their views as part of a wider conversation on reducing the burden on local government post the publication of the coalition agreement.
	I refer the hon. Member to the written ministerial statement made to the House on 22 July 2010,  Official Report, columns 27-28WS, on regional government. Consultation on the future of the network will be covered by the spending review consultation process already announced by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Government Offices for the Regions

Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government which local authorities he consulted before taking the decision to abolish the Government Office Network.

Greg Clark: On 28 May my right hon. Friend the Minister for Housing and Local Government wrote to local authority chief executives and leaders asking them for their ideas on reducing the burden on local government. Among ideas suggested by local authorities were representations supporting the removal of the remaining Government offices.

Government Offices for the Regions

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what role the Government Office Network played in co-ordinating the Government's response to the swine influenza outbreak; and what plans he has for coordination of regional responses to future similar events.

Greg Clark: The Department of Health (DH) and Cabinet Office (CO) published "Pandemic Flu: A National Framework for Responding to an Influenza Pandemic" in November 2007. This sets out the central, regional and local response arrangements, in the event of a pandemic influenza outbreak. The National framework is currently being reviewed in the light of our experience during the 2009 influenza pandemic and the recommendations of the independent review into the swine flu response, chaired by Dame Deidre Hine. This will include consideration of the roles and responsibilities in planning for a future pandemic.
	I refer the hon. Member to the written ministerial statement made to the House on 22 July 2010,  Official Report, column 27-28WS on Regional Government in which we state that there are some Government Office functions, such as arrangements for resilience and civil contingencies, which will need to continue. The Spending Review process will be used to test which activities currently carried out by the Government Offices should continue, and to decide the most cost-effective on-going arrangements.

Government Offices for the Regions

Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many Government Office staff are engaged in duties relating to the past closure requirements of the 2000-2006 European Regional Development Fund programme; and what arrangements he plans to make for completion of such duties following the end of the Government Office Network.

Greg Clark: There are 59.2 full-time equivalent staff engaged in duties relating to the part-closure requirements of the 2000-06 European Regional Development Fund programme in the Government Office Network.
	I refer the hon. Member to the written ministerial statement made to the House on 22 July 2010,  Official Report, column 27-28WS on Regional Government in which we state that there are, some Government Office functions which will need to continue, including work on the European Regional Development Fund programme. The Spending Review process is being used to test which activities currently carried out by the Government Offices should continue, and to decide the most cost-effective on-going arrangements.

Government Offices for the Regions

Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether he undertook a cost/benefit analysis as part of his review of the Government Office Network.

Greg Clark: An outline business case addressing costs and savings has informed the decision in principle; there will be further related work through the Spending Review before the final decision on the Government Office Network's closure is taken in the autumn.

Government Offices for the Regions

Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether he undertook a risk analysis as part of his review of the Government Office Network.

Greg Clark: We will be undertaking a full risk analysis as we work through the spending review before the final decision on the Government office network is taken in the autumn.

Government Offices for the Regions

Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether he carried out an Equalities Impact Assessment before determining his policy on the Government Office Network.

Greg Clark: An equality impact assessment will be undertaken before a final decision on the Government office network is taken in the autumn.

Government Offices for the Regions: Voluntary Organisations

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government which voluntary sector organisations he consulted as part of his review of the Government Office Network.

Greg Clark: There has been no specific consultation with the voluntary sector organisations on the Coalition's review of the case for closure of the Government Office Network, however, we have been in dialogue with the Voluntary Sector on our decentralisation and Big Society agendas.

Greater London Authority: Finance

David Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many  (a) discussions,  (b) meetings and  (c) exchanges of correspondence he has had with the Mayor of London on the grant to be awarded to the Greater London Authority since his appointment.

Bob Neill: There have been no ministerial discussions or correspondence with the Mayor to date about the grant given by the Department for Communities and Local Government for the Greater London Authority.

Hertfordshire Oil Storage Terminal

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what assessment he has made of the role of the Government Office for the South East in the response to the Buncefield oil depot explosion; and how he expects that role to be fulfilled in future.

Bob Neill: Following the Buncefield fire in December 2005 an independent Major Incident Investigation Board (MIIB), independently chaired by the right hon. the Lord Newton of Braintree was established under the direction of the Health and Safety Commission to conduct an investigation into the causes and ways to avoid or mitigate against similar incidents in the future. The Board published a number of reports. These included the report "Recommendations on the emergency preparedness for, response to and recovery from incidents" published in July 2007 which included the role of the Government Office for the East of England.
	I refer the hon. Member to the written ministerial statement made to the House on 22 July 2010,  Official Report, column 27-28WS, on Regional Government in which we state the Government's intention in principle to abolish the remaining eight Government Offices, but state that there are some Government Office functions, such as arrangements for resilience and civil contingencies, which will need to continue.
	The Spending Review process will be used to test which activities currently carried out by the Government Offices should continue, and to decide the most cost-effective on-going arrangements

Housing Benefit

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what assessment he has made of the effect on the level of demand for emergency social housing from local authorities of the proposed reduction in the level of housing benefit.

Andrew Stunell: The Department for Work and Pensions assesses the impact of proposed changes on specific groups as part of the policy development process. DWP published an initial equalities impact assessment on 23 July which can be found at:
	http://www.dwp.gov.uk/whats%2Dnew/
	and will be working with Communities and Local Government, the Welsh Assembly Government and the Scottish Government, along with local authorities, to assess the wider impacts on their housing functions. DWP will also publish a full impact assessment when legislation is being laid before Parliament.

Housing Benefit

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what assessment he has made of the effect on levels of demand for private rented accommodation consequent on the proposed reduction in the level of housing benefit.

Andrew Stunell: The Department for Work and Pensions will be undertaking an assessment of the impact of the proposed reduction in housing benefit as part of the policy development process. They will be working with Communities and Local Government, the Welsh Assembly Government and the Scottish Government, along with local authorities, to assess the wider impacts of the changes.

Housing: Construction

Chuka Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government 
	(1)  what recent discussions he has had with housing associations and local authorities on the Kickstart programme;
	(2)  what recent representations he has received on the Kickstart programme.

Andrew Stunell: holding answer 26 July 2010
	There have been a small number of representations received through correspondence from local Members of Parliament regarding a number of specific programmes, which Ministers have replied to directly. The Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) are in regular contact with relevant local authorities, registered social landlords and other key stakeholders in relation to the review of some Kickstart programmes to ensure they are kept informed of progress. In London, this review will be undertaken by the HCA's London Board which is chaired by the Mayor of London.

Housing: Construction

John Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what estimate he has made of the cost to his Department of providing incentives to local authorities to make provision for new housing development in each of the next three years.

Grant Shapps: We are committed to increasing housing supply and seeing more of the homes that people want, in the places that people want them, to meet Britain's housing need. The coalition agreement set out our clear intention to provide incentives for local authorities to deliver sustainable development, including new homes and business.
	Officials are working up the design of the new scheme and we will consult on it later this year. We are committed to housing growth, introducing these incentives will be a priority and we aim to do so early in the spending review period.

Housing: Construction

John Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government 
	(1)  how much he expects each  (a) district council,  (b) unitary authority and  (c) county council to receive on average in incentives for the provision of new social housing in each of the next three years;
	(2)  if he will publish the financial models used to design his policy to provide incentives to local authorities to make provision for new housing development.

Grant Shapps: We are committed to increasing housing supply and seeing more of the homes that people want, in the places that people want them, to meet Britain's housing need. The coalition agreement set out our clear intention to provide incentives for local authorities to deliver sustainable development, including new homes and business.
	Those local authorities which take action now to consent and support the construction of new homes will receive direct and substantial benefit from their actions. Because we are committed to housing growth, introducing these incentives will be a priority and we aim to do so early in the spending review period. Officials are working up the design of the new scheme and we will consult on the scheme later this year.

Housing: Immigration

James Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what his most recent assessment is of the likely effect of immigration on the level of demand for housing in England in the next 20 years.

Andrew Stunell: The potential future demand for housing can be informed by CLG's household projections. The latest projections were published on the CLG website in March 2009
	http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/corporate/statistics/2031households0309
	and are based on the 2006-based population projections produced by the Office for National Statistics. They provide a long term view of the net growth in the number of households given a projected population and previous demographic trends. As such the household projections do not take into account changes in policy or economic circumstances that may have a material effect on future household formation and do not explicitly reflect the different tenure pattern and household formation of migrant groups. The household projections reflect a net position; the number of newly forming households net of those that dissolve. Using the zero net migration population variant it is estimated that net international migration could account, on average, for 40% of the net growth in households in England over the projection period from 2006 to 2031.
	However, this does not directly equate to the actual effective demand for housing. This will also be determined by factors such as the ability of individual households to meet the cost of housing which is in turn influenced by the wider economic context. These projections also do not take into account the 2008-based population projections, subsequently published by the ONS, which include lower projected levels of net international migration. CLG expect to publish 2008-based household projections later this year.

Local Government

John Stevenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether he plans to request a review of the size of local authority wards.

Bob Neill: Local government electoral arrangements in England, including any questions as to the size of local authority wards, are matters for the Local Government Boundary Commission for England-a parliamentary body independent of Government which reports to the House through the Speaker's Committee.

Local Government Finance

Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether he expects local authorities to make savings consequent on the publication of details of all purchases from suppliers of items over £500.

Bob Neill: Local people should be able to hold politicians and public bodies to account over how their money is being spent and how decisions are being made on their behalf. We expect the publication of details of all purchases from suppliers of items over £500 to unleash an army of 'armchair auditors' who will ensure councils push for the best value for money. In addition by making clear what councils are spending their money on, opportunities will arise for new providers to propose new ways to do things more efficiently and cheaply.

Local Government Finance

David Blunkett: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government pursuant to the answer of 15 July 2010,  Official Report, column 907W, on local government finance, what procedure he plans to follow to assess the merits of reductions in local government expenditure as part of the Comprehensive Spending Review; and what information he plans to take into account in his assessment.

Bob Neill: As in previous Spending Reviews, the Government will draw together evidence on cost pressures and the scope for efficiencies in local government, drawn from a range of sources. These will include submissions from the Local Government Association and others in the local government sector; and contributions which members of the public and frontline public sector workers make in response to our Spending Challenge. We will also take account of burdens we have removed from local government-such as comprehensive area assessment-which reduce local authority costs.

Local Government: Manpower

David Blunkett: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the percentage change in the number of directly-employed local authority staff has been since 2000; and what estimate has been made of the number of directly-employed staff who have been replaced by use of outsourced or contracted-out services in that period.

Bob Neill: The Department does not hold records of the number of people employed by local authorities. The Office for National Statistics collects employment statistics for the public sector including local authorities in England and Wales as part of the Quarterly Public Sector Employment Survey. Data from this survey have been published with written permission from all local authorities by the Local Government Association on their website and are available at:
	http://www.lga.gov.uk/lga/core/page.do?pageId=1955843
	No estimate has been made of the number of directly-employed staff who have been replaced by use of outsourced or contracted-out services in that period.

Local Government: Pensions

Anne McGuire: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what estimate he has made of the change in central Government expenditure on the Local Government Pension scheme attributable to the use of the consumer prices index for pension indexation in the next five years.

Bob Neill: No estimate is available; however, the outcomes of the individual actuarial valuations of the eighty-nine Local Government Pension scheme funds in England and Wales currently underway will take account of the change in pension indexation when new employer contribution rates are provided for employers in the scheme to apply from April 2011 to ensure ongoing individual fund solvency.

Local Government: Teesside

James Wharton: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if he will discuss with local representatives in Teesside the formation of a sub-regional identity for Teesside; and if he will make a statement.

Bob Neill: I am aware that Tees Valley has a well established history of partnership working across local government and business, and that it has been exploring potential to form a local enterprise partnership. The Government will be very happy to receive such a proposal, if that is the wish of local authorities and local businesses in the area.

Mayors: Leicester

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if he will set a timescale for mayoral elections in the city of Leicester.

Bob Neill: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Nottingham North (Mr Allen) on 22 July,  Official Report, column 488W.

National House Building Council

Geoffrey Cox: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if he will review the role of the National House Building Council as the building controls authority for new-build housing.

Andrew Stunell: The NHBC are not the only building control provider for new build housing. The developer has the choice of who carries out the building control function for their building work which can be either the local authority building control or a private sector approved inspector, such as NHBC.

Non-domestic Rates

Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government 
	(1)  how many businesses will be affected by the proposal in the June 2010 Budget to cancel backdated business rate bills for newly assessed properties that were split from a larger rateable property; how many businesses are not covered by this definition but have received backdated bills; and what the total liabilities are of businesses in each category;
	(2)  what estimate he has made of the effect of the proposal announced in the June 2010 Budget to cancel backdated business rates on the total revenue from business rates in England in each of the next 10 years.

Bob Neill: holding answer 26 July 2010
	 The Government have been committed to find a permanent solution for companies, such as some affected companies in ports, hit by certain backdated rates bills to help safeguard jobs and businesses. Estimates published by HMT for the June 2010 Budget gave figures for the cost of waiving certain backdated business rate bills
	http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/d/junebudget_costings.pdf
	These costs will be assessed again, and the questions on the number of businesses affected and their liability addressed, in the impact assessment that will accompany the regulations for the cancellation of backdated business rates.

Non-domestic Rates

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the  (a) cost and  (b) net present value is of the proposal in the June 2010 Budget to cancel backdated business rate bills eligible for the eight-year schedule of payments scheme.

Bob Neill: holding answer 26 July 2010
	 The Government have been committed to find a permanent solution for companies, such as some affected companies in ports, hit by certain backdated rates bills to help safeguard jobs and businesses. Estimates published by HMT for the June 2010 Budget gave figures for the cost of waiving certain backdated business rate bills
	http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/d/junebudget_costings.pdf
	These costs will be assessed again, and the questions on the number of businesses affected and their liability addressed, in the impact assessment that will accompany the regulations for the cancellation of backdated business rates.

Non-domestic Rates

David Blunkett: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government pursuant to the answer of 19 July 2010,  Official Report, column 40W, on non-domestic rates, when he plans to lay before Parliament legislation to give effect to the proposed backdating of non-domestic rating.

Bob Neill: I refer the right hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 15 July 2010,  Official Report, column 908W.

Non-domestic Rates

Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether he plans to increase the level of small business rate relief.

Bob Neill: We are doubling the level of small business rate relief in England for one year, from 1 October 2010. Over half a million businesses in England expected to benefit, with approximately 345,000 businesses paying no rates. The Government are also committed to find a practical way to make small business rate relief automatic, in accordance with the coalition agreement.

Non-domestic Rates: Farms

Frank Dobson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what estimate he has made of the reduction in revenue from business rates consequent on the non-rating of agricultural buildings in the latest period for which figures are available.

Bob Neill: No estimates of the reduction in revenue from business rates consequent on the non-rating of agricultural buildings are available.

Planning

Laura Sandys: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government which  (a) directions and  (b) other decisions by local planning authorities require his consent before taking effect.

Bob Neill: The following decisions by a local planning authority must be notified to the Secretary of State to allow him to decide whether the application should be called in for his own determination:
	(i) Where it is proposed to grant planning permission for certain types of green belt development, development outside town centres, World Heritage Site development, playing field development or flood risk area development. The specific developments covered are set out in the Town and Country Planning (Consultation) (England) Direction 2009;
	(ii) Article 14 Directions under the General Development Procedure Order 1995 may also be issued to prevent a local authority from granting planning permission for any development whilst the Secretary of State considers whether the planning application should be called in for his own determination;
	(iii) Developments that local authorities intend to grant planning permission for and which would adversely affect the integrity of an internationally designated nature conservation site (The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010);
	(iv) Where a local authority proposes to carry out operations that may damage the features of interest within an SSSI against the advice of Natural England (Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981);
	(v) Applications for listed building consent which affect Grade I and II*, or demolish significant parts of Grade II, listed buildings and where English Heritage object (ODPM Circular 01/2001);
	(vi) Private listed building applications if English Heritage or any of the National Amenity Societies object (ODPM Circular 01/2001);
	(vii) Applications by local planning authorities for listed building consent in their own area (The Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Regulations 1990).
	Other circumstances where decisions by planning authorities may require the consent of the Secretary of State include:
	(i) For Local Development Frameworks: submission of a local development scheme to the Secretary of State who may direct changes; withdrawal of a development plan document after it has been submitted and revocation of a local development document after it has been adopted; and establishing or dissolving a joint planning committee (Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004);
	(ii) Orders for the modification and revocation of planning permissions under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990;
	(iii) Discontinuance Orders under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990;
	(iv) Completion notices served under certain circumstances under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990;
	(v) Prohibition Orders and Suspension Orders under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990;
	(vi) Modification or cancellation of an Article 4 Direction under the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 (as amended);
	(vii) Modification or cancellation of a Local Development Order under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended);
	(viii) Orders revoking or modifying listed building consent under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990;
	(ix) Directions requiring express consent for certain advertisements to be displayed in a specified area for which deemed consent would otherwise be available (the Town and Country Planning, (Control of Advertisements) (England) Regulations 2007);
	(x) Orders defining an "Area of Special Control of Advertisements" under the Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) (England) Regulations 2007;
	(xi) Disposal of land that is held by a local authority for planning purposes for less than the best consideration that can reasonably be obtained (Section 233 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990);
	(xii) Applications to dispose of, sell or build on land where required by the Green Belt (London and Home Counties) Act 1938;
	(xiii) Variations or revocations made to Tree Preservation Orders where an objection has been raised to the variation or revocation;
	(xiv) Compulsory Purchase Orders made under Section 226 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990;
	(xv) Applications for hazardous substance consent made by a planning authority where the planning authority is also the hazardous substances authority under the Planning (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 1992;
	(xvi) Modification and Revocation Orders under the Planning (Hazardous Substances) Act 1990.

Planning

Alan Whitehead: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government 
	(1)  when he plans to bring forward proposals to amend the provisions of the Town and Country (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 as required by the Green Energy (Definitions and Promotions) Act 2009;
	(2)  what representations he has received on amendments to the provisions of the Town and Country (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 as required under section 3 of the Green Energy (Definition and Promotion) Act 2009.

Greg Clark: A statutory instrument will be laid before Parliament shortly.
	A summary of the responses to the public consultation regarding these proposals and the Government response will be published as soon as possible thereafter.

Private Rented Housing

David Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what steps he plans to take to protect private tenants from unscrupulous landlords.

Andrew Stunell: Local authorities already have extensive powers to take action against rogue landlords. We will work with them to ensure that any barriers to them using those powers are lifted.

Social Rented Housing: Antisocial Behaviour

Susan Elan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many social housing tenancies were demoted as a result of anti-social behaviour in each of the last five years.

Andrew Stunell: Information on the number of social housing tenancies demoted as a result of antisocial behaviour in each of the last five years is not available.

Social Rented Housing: Antisocial Behaviour

Susan Elan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many anti-social behaviour injunctions were served on local authority tenants in each of the last five years; and how many arrests under section 91 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 there were in respect of such injunctions.

Andrew Stunell: Information on the number of injunctions granted under section 153 Housing Act 1996 (antisocial behaviour injunctions) was reported by local authorities in England on the Housing Strategy Statistical Appendix (HSSA). Local authorities reported that 1,119 antisocial behaviour injunctions were granted during 2008-09. Reliable estimates of the number of antisocial behaviour injunctions granted in previous years are not available.
	No data is available on the number of arrests under section 91 of the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003 in respect of such injunctions.

Social Rented Housing: Foreign Nationals

James Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what his most recent estimate is of the total number of foreign national headed households in social housing; and what this represents as a proportion of the total social housing stock.

Andrew Stunell: Over the two years 2006-07 and 2007-08 there were, in England, an estimated 310,000 foreign national headed households in social housing-accounting for 7.7% of all social households.
	These figures were derived from the Survey of English Housing. More recent estimates will be released in autumn 2010 when the final report of the inaugural English Housing Survey for 2008-09 is published.
	The definition of 'foreign national' used above is consistent with that used in published results from the Survey of English Housing; namely a foreign national is someone who is not a national of the UK or Ireland.

Social Rented Housing: Foreign Nationals

James Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many of the new  (a) local authority social lettings and  (b) registered social landlord lettings were to foreign nationals from (i) EU states and (ii) non-EU states in each of the last five years for which figures are available.

Andrew Stunell: Information on the number of foreign national households receiving social housing is collected through the Continuous Recording of Letting form (CORE). Historically, CORE has only collected information from registered social landlords. An increasing number of local authorities are now providing information through this process as well, but there are still some gaps in the data.
	Estimates for 2007-08 and 2008-09 are published on the Communities and Local Government website in table 754 at:
	http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/housing/xls/1417846.xls
	For the two years for which figures are available, the proportion of new social lettings that were to EU foreign nationals and to non-EU foreign nationals are set out in the following table both for local authority landlords and for RSL landlords.
	
		
			  New lettings to EU and non-EU foreign nationals of new social lettings by type of provider, 2007-08 and 2008-09 
			  Percentage 
			   Local authority housing  Registered social landlord housing  All social housing 
			   EU foreign nationals  Non-EU foreign nationals  EU foreign nationals  Non-EU foreign nationals  EU foreign nationals  Non-EU foreign nationals  All foreign nationals 
			 2007-08 3.3 4.9 2.6 2.6 2.9 3.6 6.5 
			 2008-09 3.7 5.0 2.9 2.6 3.2 3.6 6.8

Supermarkets: Planning Permission

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if he will bring forward proposals to give local authorities powers to take into account the economic and environmental effects on the surrounding area of new supermarket stores in the planning application process.

Bob Neill: We recognise how important it is that we protect town centres and ensure genuine shopping choice for local communities. National planning policy (contained in Planning Policy Statement 4 (PPS4): 'Planning for Sustainable Economic Growth') enables local authorities to take account of the economic, social and environmental impacts when considering planning applications for new supermarket developments.
	In the coalition agreement, the Government stated that they will publish and present to Parliament a simple and consolidated national planning framework covering all forms of development. We will make an announcement on how we propose to take forward the national planning framework and the implications for specific areas of planning policy. We recognise the concern that exists concerning the application of PPS4 and will be re-examining it in this context.

Urban Areas

Dan Rogerson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the 12 largest local authorities in England with city status are in terms of  (a) population and  (b) area.

Bob Neill: The Office for National Statistics (ONS) publishes population estimates for local authorities, the latest of which relate to a mid-2009 time point:
	http://www.statistics.gov.uk/statbase/Product.asp?vlnk=15106
	Standard area measurements for local authorities are calculated by the ONS and published on their website:
	http://www.ons.gov.uk/about-statistics/geography/products/geog-products-other/sam/index.html
	The Department for Constitutional Affairs (DCA), now part of the Ministry of Justice, maintains the list of grants of city status in the UK. Following the Golden Jubilee city status competition, there are now 66 cities in the UK-50 in England, five in Wales, six in Scotland and five in Northern Ireland:
	http://www.dca.gov.uk/constitution/city/citygj.htm#part6

DEFENCE

Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations

David Miliband: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made on the repairs to Yatimchay Road in Helmand Province intended to make the road safer from attack by improvised explosive devices.

William Hague: I have been asked to reply.
	We continue to invest in construction measures, including stronger roads and better roadside infrastructure, to improve freedom of movement for Afghan civilians and counter the threat from emplaced Improved Explosive Devices (IEDs).
	Responsibility for the Yatimchay Road project passed to the US Marine Corps in April 2010 as part of the handover of the Musa Qala district to US Command. The project has been fully surveyed and, given the scale, presented to senior US officers for approval. The proposal includes a hardened section of road at points of greatest vulnerability to IEDs.

Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations

Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will hold discussions with his US counterpart on coordination of the drawdown timetables of US and UK armed forces in Afghanistan.

Nick Harvey: The Secretary of State regularly discusses the international mission in Afghanistan with his US counterpart, including the plan for transition of security responsibility from the International Security Assistance Force to the Afghan National Security Forces, and they did so during his recent visit to the US from 28 June to 2 July.

Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will review the cost-effectiveness of the use of attack  (a) helicopters and  (b) pilots in Afghanistan.

Gerald Howarth: We are reviewing the cost effectiveness of all our capabilities as part of the Strategic Defence and Security Review.

Air Force

Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will publish a diagram of the structure and responsibilities of RAF-HQ Air Command.

Nick Harvey: The operations and the business of the Royal Air Force are administered by Headquarters Air Command.
	The current structure, commanded by the Commander in Chief Air Command is divided between three pillars: Operations; Personnel; and Strategy, Policy, Plans and Corporate Services.
	A diagram of this structure is available from the RAF website at the following link:
	http://www.raf.mod.uk/organisation/rafcommand.cfm

Air Force

Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he is taking to reduce the number of military and civilian personnel at RAF-HQ Air Command.

Nick Harvey: Headquarters Air Command is conducting a Capabilities and Structures Review which will align with the Strategic Defence and Security Review.

Air Force: Deployment

Elfyn Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many low-flying sorties Royal Air Force pilots carried out in  (a) Turkish,  (b) Swedish,  (c) Spanish,  (d) Saudi Arabian,  (e) Portuguese,  (f) Polish,  (g) Norwegian,  (h) Dutch,  (i) Italian,  (j) Danish.  (k) Greek,  (l) French,  (m) Australian,  (n) US,  (o) German and  (p) Belgian air space in (i) 2005, (ii) 2006, (iii) 2007, (iv) 2008 and (v) 2009.

Andrew Robathan: The information requested is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Armed Conflict: Children

Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received on implementing the recommendations of the 25th Report of the Joint Committee on Human Rights Session 2008-09, HC 318, on children's rights, in respect of children and armed conflict; and if he will make a statement.

Andrew Robathan: The recommendations were addressed as part of the Government Response to the Joint Committee on Human Rights Twenty-fifth Report of Session 2008-09 published on 3 March 2010 (HL Paper 65 HC 400). The Ministry of Defence has received no representations specifically on the implementation of the recommendations in respect of children and armed conflict.

Armed Forces: Food

Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what date the two-year contract extension awarded by his Department to Purple Food Service Solutions was signed; and whether there was Ministerial approval of the contract.

Peter Luff: The Ministry of Defence food supply contract with Purple Food Service Solutions was extended on 14 December 2009; the first of two available options to extend the contract by periods of two years. There was no requirement for Ministers to oversee the contract extension.

Armed Forces: Health Services

Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether he plans to commission a Ministry of Defence hospital unit in Scotland.

Andrew Robathan: holding answer 26 July 2010
	There are currently no plans to extend the existing network of Ministry of Defence Hospital Units (MDHUs).

Armed Forces: Housing

Owen Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many armed forces families have participated in his Department's Home Ownership pilot.

Andrew Robathan: Currently there are 351 applicants to the Armed Forces Home Ownership Scheme (pilot) who have been assessed as being eligible in principle. Of these, 205 have progressed to the stage where they have been invited to speak to a financial adviser. There have been to date 22 completions.

Armed Forces: Housing

David Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his policy is on the future funding of the Home Ownership pilot; and if he will make a statement.

Andrew Robathan: The Armed Forces Home Ownership Scheme (pilot) is a shared equity scheme for service personnel who cannot otherwise afford to buy a home in the current housing market. It was launched as a four year pilot in January 2010 and like all other aspects of defence, will be evaluated and assessed as it progresses and as part of the current Strategic Defence and Security Review.

Armed Forces: Housing

Tom Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proportion of armed forces personnel live off-base.

Andrew Robathan: Armed forces personnel live in a variety of accommodation, both publicly provided and non-publicly provided, which may be on or off-base. While all personnel are required to record their Residence at Place of Duty Address on the Joint Personnel Administration system, there is no requirement to record whether the accommodation is located on or off-base. Therefore, this information is not held.

Armed Forces: Injuries

Nicky Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will take steps to ensure that armed services personnel seriously injured on military operations are able to continue military careers.

Andrew Robathan: Those who are injured deserve our greatest support. Our policies allow the services to retain those who have been seriously injured, if they wish to stay, for as long as there is a worthwhile role or it is judged to be in the interest of the individual and the service. When an individual can no longer undertake their current role, for medical reasons, they are able to look for other roles that they are medically capable of fulfilling. Where a job can be found, and they are either qualified or can be trained for the job, the individual may be transferred to that post.
	Where a role cannot be found or it is in the interests of the individual and the armed forces, then an individual may be discharged on medical grounds. We will ensure that these men and women, and their families have the care and support they require. Personnel may also be entitled to financial support from the Armed Forces Compensation scheme and an invaliding pension, where appropriate.
	On 11 February, the Ministry of Defence launched the army recovery capability (ARC) along with its partners the Royal British Legion and Help for Heroes. The ARC meets the needs of injured, wounded and sick personnel and helps these personnel either return to duty or to make a smooth transition to civilian life, however long it takes. It focuses on the specific welfare, administrative and developmental needs of individuals during, in-between, or after their medical care, as well as providing support to their families where appropriate. This ensures there is an end-to-end system for enabling injured personnel to regain fitness for duty if possible, or to leave the services with the appropriate level of support, where this is more appropriate.
	The Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force also have their own bespoke recovery capabilities, tailored to their particular service's requirements.

Armed Forces: Mental Health Services

Elfyn Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 13 July 2010,  Official Report, column 602W, on armed forces: mental health services, whether the findings of the study to be carried out by the hon. Member for South West Wiltshire will be published; and when he expects that study to be concluded.

Andrew Robathan: My hon. Friend the Member for South West Wiltshire (Dr Murrison) is conducting an independent study. His initial findings are currently under consideration and I expect them to be published shortly.

Armed Forces: Mental Health Services

Elfyn Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 13 July 2010,  Official Report, column 602W, on armed forces: mental health services, 
	(1)  whether the medical discharge assessment for armed forces personnel undertaken 90 days prior to discharge is carried out on an individual basis;
	(2)  what assessment he has made of the merits of delivering F-Med-133 forms directly to GPs rather than to the individuals involved in order to reduce the risk of loss or misappropriation;
	(3)  what estimate he has made of the average length of time spent by doctors on a medical discharge assessment for armed forces personnel.

Andrew Robathan: The aim of the discharge medical assessment is to assess and record the medical status and functional capacity at the time of discharge. It is conducted by a doctor during an individual, face to face consultation. The total time spent conducting these assessments can vary from case to case but typically lasts approximately 60 minutes. This currently includes a self-declaration, formal health check (including hearing and a comprehensive physical examination) and a review of all significant episodes of ill health during service.
	The full assessment is recorded on a FMed 1 (signed by both the doctor and the patient) and summarised on a FMed 133. In most cases individuals still in service will not have re-registered with a NHS General Practitioner (GP) by the time of their Release Medical, and therefore the individual is provided with a copy of the FMed 133 to pass to their new NHS GP. The FMed 133 also provides the new NHS GP with a single service-specific address from where the individual's full medical records may be obtained, which includes the completed FMed 1 form. The individual must consent to the transfer of their FMed 133 form to their GP, and to the GP having access to their service medical records.
	The Defence Medical Services (DMS) is actively engaged with the Department of Health and the Royal College of General Practitioners to: assist individuals' re-registration with an NHS GP at discharge; to transfer the FMed 133 directly to the NHS GP incorporated into the registration process; to enhance the NHS' visibility of the ex-military population at the point of release; and to further smooth the transition of health care delivery from DMS to NHS through direct correspondence between primary health care teams as required.
	The Prime Minister has asked my hon. Friend the Member for South West Wiltshire (Dr Murrison) to carry out a study into the health of both serving and ex-service personnel to see what more can be done to assess and meet these needs; a focus of this study will be mental health. Decisions on what further work needs to be undertaken will necessarily depend on the results of my hon. Friend's study.

Armed Forces: Mental Health Services

Elfyn Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 13 July 2010,  Official Report, column 602W, on armed forces: mental health services, whether any medical assessment is made of armed services personnel after their discharge.

Andrew Robathan: All armed forces personnel receive a discharge medical assessment 90 days prior to discharge. The NHS is responsible for the health care needs of armed forces personnel after their discharge.
	The Government are committed to providing effective, through-life, health services for our service and ex-service personnel. The Prime Minister has asked my hon. Friend the Member for South West Wiltshire (Dr. Murrison) to conduct an independent study into veterans' mental health issues.
	The Ministry of Defence has contributed £500,000 towards the setting up and evaluation of NHS Veterans Community Mental Health Pilot schemes in six NHS Trusts around the country. Additionally, the Medical Assessment Programme at St Thomas' hospital in London is available to serving and former armed forces personnel who have deployed on operations since 1982. This offers comprehensive physical and mental health assessments for veterans who believe their ill health may be linked to service.
	The Government have also recently confirmed an additional £2 million to allow the Department of Health to work with strategic partners, including Combat Stress, to promote access to services and ensure the best treatment possible is available for veterans with mental health problems.

Armed Forces: Officers

Tristram Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many retired officers are on the list of active personnel; and what estimate he has made of the cost to his Department of such listings in the latest period for which figures are available.

Andrew Robathan: There are 29 retired officers who are on the list of active personnel. They are eligible for various allowances such as access to Service transport for duty visits, access to Service medical and dental facilities and funeral/memorial services.
	The costs incurred by these individuals at such events are not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Armed Forces: Uniforms

Duncan Hames: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  when he expects the General Service Respirator to come into service;
	(2)  what his most recent estimate is of the costs his Department will incur under its General Service Respirator contract.

Peter Luff: The Ministry of Defence approved £63.9 million for the delivery of 300,000 sets of the General Service Respirator (GSR) in 2004. The GSR is expected to enter service over the summer; the project remains within its cost approval.

Armed Services: Discharges

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many  (a) early service leavers and  (b) others have left each of the armed services in each year since 2005.

Andrew Robathan: The numbers of early service leavers and others that have left each of the armed forces in each year since 2006 are listed in the following tables:
	
		
			  Financial year  Royal Navy early service leavers  Army early service leavers  Royal Air Force early service leavers 
			 2006-07 1,860 5,240 522 
			 2007-08 2,268 6,347 1,738 
			 2008-09 2,248 5,261 949 
		
	
	
		
			  Financial year  Royal Navy other leavers  Army other leavers  Royal Air Force other leavers 
			 2006-07 2,460 10,530 4,548 
			 2007-08 2,072 8,983 3,282 
			 2008-09 2,182 7,879 3,371 
		
	
	Data for financial year 2005-06 are not held in the format requested but the totals across all armed forces are as follows:
	
		
			  Financial year 2005-06 
			 Early service leavers 10190 
			 Other leavers 13070

Commonwealth Organisations

Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence to which Commonwealth organisations his Department provides grant funding; and how much it has provided to each in each of the last 10 years.

Andrew Robathan: holding answer 22 July 2010
	The Ministry of Defence only grants funding to one Commonwealth organisation, which is the Commonwealth War Graves commission since 2000-01:
	
		
			   £ million 
			 2000-01 24 
			 2001-02 24 
			 2002-03 26 
			 2003-04 29 
			 2004-05 32 
			 2005-06 31 
			 2006-07 32 
			 2007-08 34 
			 2008-09 37

Industrial Capabilities: Defence

Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what national industrial capabilities he has identified as requiring protection and retention for strategic military purposes.

Gerald Howarth: The Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR) will form the baseline for determining the capabilities that we need, now and in the future. After the SDSR has been completed in the autumn, and before the end of the year, we intend to publish a Green Paper on our defence industry and technology policy. The Green Paper will build on the SDSR conclusions, and ongoing discussions with industry and others. There will then be a wider consultation process with Parliament, industry and academia before we bring forward a White Paper in spring 2011. This will formally set out our new approach to industry and technology, including setting out our sovereignty requirements and how we will seek to safeguard associated industrial technologies.

Defence Estates

David Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has for the future of Defence Estates; and if he will make a statement.

Andrew Robathan: The Government are conducting a Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR), covering all aspects of defence, including estates. The defence section of the SDSR will be finished in time to inform the comprehensive spending review on 20 October.

Defence Estates: Public Appointments

Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the new head of Defence Estates will be appointed; and if he will make a statement.

Andrew Robathan: holding answer 26 July 2010
	An announcement will be made in due course.

Defence: Procurement

Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many urgent operational requirements have been commissioned to date; how many are in progress; what equipment is the subject of each such requirement; what estimate he has made of the cost of each such requirement; and when he expects each requirement in progress to be completed.

Gerald Howarth: Between 2002-03 and June 2010, some 1,150 Urgent Operational Requirements (UORs) were approved, of which some 550 UORs were for operations in Iraq and some 600 for operations in Afghanistan. Some UORs have been subject to re-approvals as requirements have evolved and some will have been provided in both theatres, so a single capability may be counted more than once in these numbers.
	Some 290 UORs have been approved and are recorded as having a current financial liability. It would be inappropriate to list details of what equipment may be the subject of each of these UORs as its disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the armed forces. The average cost of UORs approved last financial year (2009-10) was approximately £8 million. UOR timeframes reflect the operational urgency of the requirement, many deliver well within a year of the requirement being identified, 18 months is the maximum planning horizon.

Defence: Procurement

Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what joint procurement exercises his Department has with partners in  (a) France and  (b) Germany.

Gerald Howarth: The Ministry of Defence's Collaborative Equipment Programmes list shows that the UK is engaged in the following equipment programmes with France and Germany, on both a bilateral and multilateral basis.
	
		
			   Equipment programme 
			  France  
			 Manufacture/ In-service Olympus/Tyne Gas Turbines 
			  NATO Submarine Rescue System 
			  Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System 
			  Multiple Launch Rocket System In-Service Support 
			  NATO Armament Ballistics Kernel 
			  Counter Battery Radar (COBRA) 
			  Principal Anti Air Missile System (PAAMS) 
			  Lynx 
			  Puma 
			  Gazelle 
			  RTM322 Helicopter Engine 
			  NATO Improved Link Eleven 
			  NAVSTAR GPS 
			   
			 Demonstration Meteor Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile 
			  A400M 
			  Functional Integration of Electro-Magnetic Sensors 
			  Future Anti-Surface Guided Weapon (Heavy) 
			   
			 Concept ACCOLADE (Off-Board Active Decoy) 
			  40mm Cannon 
			   
			  Germany  
			 Manufacture/ In-service Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System 
			  Multiple Launch Rocket System In-Service Support 
			  NATO Armament Ballistics Kernel 
			  Counter Battery Radar (COBRA) 
			  M3 Amphibious Bridge 
			  Sidewinder Air-to-Air Missile 
			  Typhoon 
			  Tornado 
			  NATO Improved Link Eleven 
			  NAVSTAR GPS 
			   
			 Demonstration Meteor Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile 
			  A400M

Departmental Billing

Jeremy Lefroy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what percentage of payments made by his Department to  (a) small and medium-sized enterprise suppliers and  (b) all suppliers were made (i) within 10 days of receipt of invoice and (ii) on the agreed payment terms in the last three months for which information is available.

Peter Luff: 10-day payment information currently available for the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and its Trading Funds for all suppliers is provided in the following table.
	
		
			  Invoices paid within 10 days of receipt 
			   Percentage 
			 April 2010 98.67 
		
	
	Since 1 May 2010, the Department began measuring performance against a target of payment within five working days. Data available against the new target is provided in the following table and is published on the MOD's website at:
	www.mod.uk
	
		
			  I nvoices paid within five  days of receipt 
			   Percentage 
			 May 2010 94.06 
			 June 2010 95.47 
		
	
	Agreed terms of business would require the MOD to pay correctly presented invoices within 30 calendar days. MOD achievement against this target, excluding the Trading Funds, is provided in the following table.
	
		
			  I nvoices paid within 30  days of receipt 
			   Percentage 
			 April 2010 99.6 
			 May 2010 99.6 
			 June 2010 99.4 
		
	
	We have made no separate assessment of the time taken to pay small and medium-sized enterprises.

Departmental Buildings

Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  how much  (a) his Department and  (b) its agencies and non-departmental public bodies spent on office refurbishment in each year since 1997;
	(2)  how much  (a) his Department and  (b) its agencies and non-departmental public bodies spent on televisions in each year since 1997;
	(3)  how much  (a) his Department and  (b) its agencies and non-departmental public bodies spent on light bulbs in each year since 1997.

Andrew Robathan: This information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. All expenditure must be necessary, appropriate, cost effective and an admissible charge to public funds.

Departmental Communication

Stewart Hosie: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what instructions have been issued by the private office of each Minister in his Department on the preparation of briefing, speeches and replies to official correspondence.

Andrew Robathan: There is extant, generic departmental guidance on the topic. Private offices may provide, on occasion, pointers on style for briefing particular Ministers-they do not issue separate instructions.

Departmental Internet

Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much  (a) his Department and  (b) its agencies and non-departmental public bodies spent on website design in each year since 1997.

Andrew Robathan: We operate four principal websites, one for the corporate Ministry of Defence (MOD) and one for each of the armed forces. Design costs are available for these websites from 2005-06.
	
		
			  £000 
			  Financial year  MOD corporate  Royal Navy  British Army  Royal Air Force 
			 2005-06 400 270 0 0 
			 2006-07 0 0 266 120 
			 2007-08 150 110 75 0 
			 2008-09 0 0 0 0 
			 2009-10 (1)418 298 25 215 
			 (1) Includes the costs of the internal Defence intranet which are not recorded separately. 
		
	
	Other MOD websites are not managed centrally, and their cost could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
	From 2009-10, the costs of the MOD corporate website will be published centrally in an annual report on central Government websites. The annual report for 2009-10 is available at the following link:
	http://coi.gov.uk/aboutcoi.php?page=357
	Information on the cost of the websites of our agencies and non-departmental public bodies will be included in the report from 2010-11.
	On current plans, we plan to close a number of our smaller websites by 31 March 2011, both to save money and to improve the coherence and effectiveness of our web presence.

Departmental Legal Costs

Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much  (a) his Department and  (b) its agencies and non-departmental public bodies spent on legal advice in each year since 1997.

Andrew Robathan: We estimated, as part of a Treasury benchmarking exercise, that our expenditure on legal services was in the region of £40 million in 2009-10. This figure includes the cost of the in-house legal team, and services provided by the Treasury Solicitor, Counsel, Parliamentary Counsel, private law firms and other legal consultants. The figure excludes the cost of non-Government Legal Service lawyers, such as the legal advisers to the three service branches, and the costs of legal services incurred by our Trading Funds, which lie outside our departmental accounting boundary.
	Information on expenditure on legal advice is not held centrally and such information for previous years could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Departmental Location

Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether he plans to relocate  (a) civil servants and  (b) Government bodies for which his Department is responsible (i) out of London and (ii) to the West Midlands; and if he will make a statement.

Andrew Robathan: The location of Ministry of Defence activity and plans for the Defence estate will be considered in the strategic defence and security review.

Departmental Official Cars

Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the cost to the public purse of provision of official cars for  (a) Ministers in his Department,  (b) civil servants in his Department and  (c) service chiefs was in the last 12 months.

Andrew Robathan: The Government Car and Despatch Agency is responsible for providing the official car for use by the Secretary of State. Its 2009-10 cost, funded by the Ministry of Defence, is intended for publication by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport in due course. The estimated cost of providing official cars for use by other Defence Ministers in the same financial year was £218,000.
	We report the cost of the use of official cars by senior officials under the Government's disclosure of senior staff business expenses regime for directors general and above. The 2009-10 estimated cost of their use was £301,000.
	The figures represent how much we spent on running the vehicles, including the cost of the lease, driver, maintenance, servicing, consumables, fuel and the employer's contribution to benefits-in-kind taxation, where applicable.
	Comparable figures are not available for the use of official cars by the service chiefs in 2009-10, but will be from 2010-11. Information is otherwise not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
	MOD Ministers and staff may use an official car where this makes good business sense. We increasingly share cars for senior staff through pooling and other similar arrangements to increase flexibility and reduce cost. Official cars are an extension of the office and give Ministers and our most senior staff private space to work in so they can make more efficient use of time spent travelling.

Departmental Official Cars

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many  (a) civil servants and  (b) special advisers in his Department are entitled to the use of (i) a car with a dedicated driver, (ii) a car from the Government car pool and (iii) a taxi ordered through a departmental account.

Andrew Robathan: As was the case under previous Governments, all service personnel, civil servants and special advisers may use an official car or taxi in properly defined circumstances. Senior civil servants employed in our headquarters have given up their cars with a dedicated driver and share pool cars instead.

Departmental Official Cars

Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much his Department has spent on the Government Car Service since the Government took office.

Andrew Robathan: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) incurred £698 for use of the Government Car Service between 12 May and 12 July 2010. The MOD generally uses its own car pool for providing a car service to our Ministers, senior officials and service officers.

Departmental Official Cars

Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which  (a) Ministers and  (b) officials in his Department have been driven by the Government Car Service since the Government took office; and how much each of these persons has received in expenses for use of taxis, buses and underground trains in that period.

Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which  (a) Ministers and  (b) officials in his Department have been driven by the Government Car Service since January 2005; and how much each of those individuals has received in expenses for use of taxis, buses and underground trains in that period.

Andrew Robathan: Information on Ministry of Defence (MOD) users of the Government Car Service is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. MOD Ministers and staff will normally use MOD pool cars where such a form of transport is necessary.
	The Government publish, on a quarterly basis, the expenses incurred by our most senior officials. These include any use of the Government Car Service and other travel expenses. The MOD's disclosure of senior staff business expenses is available at:
	www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/AboutDefence/CorporatePublications/FinancialReports/Expenses/SeniorStaffBusinessExpenses.htm

Departmental Official Cars

Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on how many occasions Ministers in his Department have been driven to the House of Commons by the Government Car Service in each year since 2005.

Andrew Robathan: holding answer 13 July 2010
	 Records are not held centrally therefore the answer could be provided only at disproportionate cost. However, coalition Government Ministers are encouraged to walk, bicycle or take public transport where appropriate. The practice of driving Ministers from Portcullis House to MOD main building has been discontinued since the general election.

Departmental Pay

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much was paid in remuneration in total to civil servants in his Department in 2009-10.

Andrew Robathan: The remuneration paid to the Ministry of Defence's (MOD's) civil servants in 2009-10 was some £1.9 billion. This figure represents the costs of gross salary, overtime, performance related pay and taxable allowances for UK-based industrial and non-industrial civilian staff (including casuals), members of the MOD police and officers and ratings of the Royal Fleet Auxiliaries.
	Not included is remuneration to employees of our trading funds, which lie outside the MOD's departmental accounting boundary, or to contractors, agency staff and locally engaged civilians, who are not civil servants.
	Information on remuneration, staff numbers and their cost of employment is published in our annual report and accounts each year. Copies have been placed in the Library of the House and are available on the internet, at the following address:
	http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/AboutDefence/CorporatePublications/AnnualReports/

Departmental Private Education

Gloria De Piero: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much his Department spent on continuity of education allowance at  (a) Charterhouse School,  (b) Dulwich College,  (c) Eton College,  (d) Harrow School,  (e) Marlborough College,  (f) Rugby School,  (g) Westminster School,  (h) Winchester College,  (i) Cheltenham Ladies College,  (j) Roedean School,  (k) St Paul's School,  (l) Fettes College and  (m) Gordonstoun School in the last 12 months for which figures are available.

Andrew Robathan: This information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Departmental Stationery

Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much  (a) his Department and  (b) its agencies and non-departmental public bodies spent on stationery in each year since 1997.

Andrew Robathan: We hold information on expenditure on stationery and office supplies as follows, but have no breakdown below departmental level:
	
		
			  Financial year  Expenditure (£ million) 
			 2003-04 28.8 
			 2004-05 28.0 
			 2005-06 29.5 
			 2006-07 27.9 
			 2007-08 22.8 
			 2008-09 20.2 
			 2009-10 22.6 
		
	
	The figures represent expenditure on stationery (excluding branded stationery) and office supplies (such as printer consumables and magnetic media) by the Department, the on-vote defence agencies and those advisory non-departmental bodies we sponsor. The figures do not include expenditure by our trading funds who do not call off the central contract and lie outside the departmental accounting boundary.
	We use recycled paper and paper products as much as possible.

Departmental Travel

Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate his Department has made of its expenditure on travel undertaken in an official capacity by each Minister in his Department in  (a) May 2010 and  (b) June 2010.

Andrew Robathan: As set out in the Ministerial Code, Departments will publish, at least quarterly, details of all travel overseas by Ministers. Information for the first quarter will be published as soon as it is ready.
	All travel is undertaken in accordance with the Ministerial Code.

Departmental Utilities

Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much  (a) his Department and  (b) its agencies and non-departmental public bodies spent on (i) electricity, (ii) water, (iii) heating and (iv) telephone services in each year since 1997.

Andrew Robathan: Our expenditure on electricity, water, heating and telephone services has been as follows:
	
		
			  £ million 
			  Financial year  Electricity  Water and sewerage( 1)  Heating( 2)  Telephone services( 3) 
			 1997-98 124 46 50 138 
			 1998-99 123 46 47 221 
			 1999-2000 114 45 42 211 
			 2000-01 107 44 46 248 
			 2001-02 107 42 78 135 
			 2002-03 92 41 82 154 
			 2003-04 98 47 75 176 
			 2004-05 114 62 94 131 
			 2005-06 141 91 131 309 
			 2006-07 171 98 126 348 
			 2007-08 167 103 114 363 
			 2008-09 205 108 161 364 
			 (1) From 2004-05, the costs include expenditure on Project Aquatrine, a private finance initiative contract for the management of the MOD's water and wastewater infrastructure. (2) The costs include gas and solid fuel between 1997-98 and 2000-01 and gas and heating oil from 2001-02 on. (3) The costs include line and telephone rental and minor equipment and, from 2005-06, the PFI service charge for the Defence Fixed Telephone Service. 
		
	
	These figures represent expenditure by the Department, the on-vote defence agencies and those advisory non-departmental public bodies we sponsor. The figures do not include expenditure by our trading funds as they lie outside the departmental accounting boundary. We publish a figure for total expenditure for utilities in our annual report and accounts.

EU Law

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will estimate the cost to his Department of compliance with regulations arising from EU obligations in the last 12 months.

Gerald Howarth: This information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. We comply with all relevant EU legislation where we have not been granted specific exemption from it, but we seek at all times to ensure that compliance does not exceed the minimum cost or constraint.

Ex-servicemen: Mental Illness

Oliver Colvile: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many  (a) veterans and  (b) veterans diagnosed with mental illness linked to their service are (i) imprisoned and (ii) on probation.

Andrew Robathan: holding answer 20 July 2010
	The number of veterans in prison in England and Wales was announced in a written ministerial statement on 6 January 2010,  Official Report, column 7WS. The results of the follow-on work referred to in that statement will be announced shortly. Work to determine the number of ex-Service personnel on probation is currently ongoing, jointly with the Ministry of Justice. Information on the numbers of veterans in prison/probation diagnosed with mental illness linked to their service is not available.
	The Government are committed to providing effective, through-life, health services for our Service and ex-Service personnel. The Prime Minister has asked my hon. Friend the Member for South West Wiltshire (Dr. Murrison) to conduct an independent study into the provision of Ministry of Defence and NHS support and services to the armed forces and ex-Service personnel and to make recommendations for improvement particularly in the area of mental health.
	NHS Veterans Community Mental Health Pilot schemes have also been established in six NHS Trusts around the country. They are currently being evaluated with a report expected in the autumn. The findings of the evaluation report will inform broader rollout of veterans' mental health services across the NHS in 2011-12. Additionally, the Medical Assessment programme at St Thomas' Hospital in London is available to serving and former armed forces personnel who have deployed on operations since 1982.
	The Government have also recently confirmed an additional £2 million to allow the Department of Health to work with strategic partners, including combat stress, to ensure the best treatment possible is available for veterans with mental health problems.

Gurkhas: Pensions

William Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  whether his Department's estimate that the cost to the public purse of paying equal pensions to Gurkha veterans who retired before 1 July 1997 would be £75 million per annum includes the pension settlements already distributed through the Gurkha pension scheme and the Gurkha Offer to Transfer project;
	(2)  whether expenditure on the Gurkha pension scheme will be included in the comprehensive spending review; and if he will make a statement.

Andrew Robathan: The cost of equalising pensions for Gurkhas at the same level as the Armed Forces Pension Scheme has been estimated by the Government Actuary's Department at approximately £1.5 billion, at 2007 prices, comprising a one-off payment of £500 million and £50 million each year for 20 years. However, this estimate does not include pension settlements already distributed through the Gurkha pension scheme and the Gurkha Offer to Transfer project
	The spending review will look comprehensively across the whole of Government expenditure. All defence expenditure, including that on armed forces pensions, is considered in the review, and the annual amounts paid out under the Gurkha Pension Scheme are not separated out from overall Armed Forces Pension Scheme expenditure.

Low Flying

Elfyn Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many low-flying sorties pilots of the  (a) German,  (b) US,  (c) Turkish,  (d) Swedish,  (e) Saudi Arabian,  (f) Portuguese,  (g) Polish,  (h) Norwegian,  (i) Dutch,  (j) Italian,  (k) Greek,  (l) Danish,  (m) Belgian,  (n) Australian and  (o) French air force carried out in UK air space in (i) 2005, (ii) 2006, (iii) 2007, (iv) 2008 and (v) 2009.

Andrew Robathan: holding answer 26 July 2010
	The figures are produced per training year and are based on usage by foreign based aircraft, not by the nationality of the pilot.
	Military aircraft from other NATO and Allied Nations are permitted to make small-scale use of the UK Low Flying System, and the majority of foreign use is during NATO exercises that enable interoperability training to take place. Foreign aircraft are authorised to use the UK Low Flying System on a strictly reciprocal basis, and may only fly at heights that UK military aircraft could fly in their country. A prerequisite for using the UK Low Flying System is that all foreign crews are briefed by UK aircrew, and training sorties are planned on UK military mapping that shows all low flying avoidance areas. United States air force aircraft permanently based in the UK are not regarded as foreign visitors, but are subject to the same regulations as UK military aircraft. The figures are as follows:
	
		
			   Foreign use(hours)  Total (hours)  Percentage foreign use 
			 2004-05 397 76189 0.52 
			 2005-06 558 75077 0.74 
			 2006-07 312 65137 0.48 
			 2007-08 168 58232 0.29 
			 2008-09 329 51888 0.63 
			 2009-10 208 57520 0.36

Low Flying: Wales

Elfyn Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many compensation payments his Department made to individuals living in North and Mid Wales relating to the effects of low-flying sorties in  (a) 2005,  (b) 2006,  (c) 2007,  (d) 2008 and  (e) 2009.

Andrew Robathan: holding answer 26 July 2010
	Data relating to compensation claims arising from military aircraft low-flying activity are not held specifically for mid and north Wales. The recorded figures for Wales are as follows:
	
		
			   Number of claims settled 
			 2005 24 
			 2006 15 
			 2007 33 
			 2008 21 
			 2009 7

Low Flying: Wales

Elfyn Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many complaints his Department received from individuals living in North and Mid Wales about low-flying sorties in  (a) 2004,  (b) 2005,  (c) 2006,  (d) 2007,  (e) 2008 and  (f) 2009.

Andrew Robathan: Complaints concerning low-flying military aircraft training are recorded by Low Flying Area (LFA). All of Wales, except the north east of Powys, lies within LFA 7. The following figures are the total amount of complaints received for the LFA, not individual complainants. The figures also include the Tactical Training Area 7T.
	
		
			   Total amount of complaints received 
			 2004 464 
			 2005 456 
			 2006 451 
			 2007 375 
			 2008 260 
			 2009 302

Nepal: Armed Forces

William Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what level of local overseas living allowance is paid to  (a) members of the armed forces serving in Nepal and  (b) staff of the Gurkha Welfare Trust.

Andrew Robathan: Local overseas allowance (LOA) is designed to contribute towards the necessary additional local cost of day-to-day living, when service personnel are required to serve overseas. LOA recognises the amount by which average essential expenditure on day-to-day living in a particular overseas location differs from that in the UK, taking into account the differences in the local lifestyle. The amount of LOA paid to members of the armed forces serving in Nepal is up to £20.48 (per day) depending on personal circumstances.
	The Gurkha Welfare Trust is a registered charity, independent of the Ministry of Defence, which was established in 1969 to provide financial, medical and community aid to alleviate hardship and distress among Gurkhas when they leave the British Army. The Ministry of Defence has two full-time military personnel attached to the field arm of the trust in Nepal to run the Gurkha Welfare Scheme. However, the Ministry of Defence is not responsible for the pay of the trust's staff.

Piracy

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the Government's policy is on intervening in the hijacking of UK-flagged merchant ships with British nationals on board; and if he will make a statement.

Nick Harvey: The Royal Navy can and will take robust action to come to the aid of any victim vessel under attack by pirates in international waters, regardless of flag, but cognisant of the potential threat to the lives of innocents on board.
	International counter piracy operations are operating in close coordination with the shipping community to ensure merchant vessels are following best management practice on how to avoid, repel or stall pirate attacks, which gives warships the time to respond appropriately to any distress signals.

Portsmouth Dockyard: Security

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether he plans to reduce his Department's expenditure on security provisions at the Naval Dockyard at Portsmouth.

Gerald Howarth: The cross-Government Strategic Defence and Security Review intends to bring defence policy, plans, commitments and resources into balance, and produce, over time, a transformative change to British defence. This is a wide-ranging review which will examine all aspects of defence, including support services such as security at military establishments. The Review will be published in the autumn.

RAF Menwith Hill

Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his most recent estimate is of the cost of Operation Phoenix at RAF Menwith Hill; and who bears the cost of that operation.

Nick Harvey: The works associated with Project Phoenix at RAF Menwith Hill are funded by the US authorities. The most recent estimate of the cost is some £52 million, which includes £39.5 million of enabling works.

Somalia: Piracy

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what expenditure his Department has incurred on tackling piracy around the Horn of Africa in the last 12 months.

Nick Harvey: Combating piracy is one of a number of concurrent tasks carried out by Royal Navy units around the Horn of Africa. Therefore, the cost of the British Naval deployments, the associated costs and contributions to multinational task forces and the UK command and control elements could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Submarines

Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether his Department has assessed the merits of delivering the first boat in the Vanguard-successor class submarines before the completion of the final boats of the Astute-class order.

Peter Luff: holding answer 21 July 2010
	The Astute and successor programmes are subject to the Strategic Defence and Security Review and value for money studies respectively.
	Decisions regarding delivery schedules will be made on completion of both these studies, and will ensure a sustainable industrial programme to allow the retention and transfer of key industrial capabilities.

War Graves

Damian Collins: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which maritime war grave sites in UK waters were designated in the last five years.

Andrew Robathan: The following 28 wrecked vessels were in military service when lost and lying in UK waters, have been designated under the Protection of Military Remains Act 1986 since 1 January 2005.
	
		
			  Military Remains Act 1986 since 1 January 2005: 
			  Sites  
			  Protected sites  
			 HMS Acheron 1 May 2008 
			 HMS Blackwood 1 November 2006 
			 HMS Boadicea 1 November 2006 
			 HMS Bullen 1 November 2006 
			 HMS Calgarian 1 February 210 
			 HMS Delight 1 May 2008 
			 HMS Exmoor 1 November 2006 
			 HMS Fisgard II 1 February 210 
			 HMS Ghurka 1 May 2008 
			 HMSK4 1 November 2006 
			 HMS K17 1 November 2006 
			 HMT Kurd 1 February 210 
			 HMS L24 1 May 2008 
			 HMS Loyalty 1 May 2008 
			 HMS Ml 1 November 2006 
			 HMS M2 1 November 2006 
			 SS Mendi 1 February 210 
			 HMS Pathfinder 1 February 210 
			 HMS Penylan 1 May 2008 
			 SS Storaa 1 May 2008 
			 HMS Swordfish 1 November 2006 
			 HMS Umpire 1 November 2006 
			 HMS Vandal 1 November 2006 
			 HMS Vortigern 1 November 2006 
			 HMS Warwick 1 November 2006 
			 U714 1 May 2008 
			 UB65 1 November 2006 
			   
			  Controlled sites  
			 UB81 1 November 2006

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER

Constituency Sizes

Karen Lumley: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister when he expects his proposals for fewer and more equal-sized constituencies to be implemented.

Mark Harper: The Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill would require the Boundary Commissions to submit a report before 1 October 2013. Parliament would then be asked to agree an Order bringing new boundaries into force at the next General Election, which is planned for 7 May 2015.

Urban Constituency Sizes: Scotland

Ann McKechin: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what criteria will apply to redrawing of the boundaries of urban parliamentary constituencies in Scotland under his proposals for fewer and more equal-sized constituencies.

Mark Harper: The rules set out in the parliamentary voting system and Constituencies Bill introduced on 22 July will apply to the boundaries of urban parliamentary constituencies in Scotland as they will across the rest of the UK.

Referendum: Timing

Christopher Leslie: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what assessment he has made of the merits of holding the proposed referendum on the voting system for election to the House of Commons on a date other than 5 May 2011.

Nicholas Clegg: 5 May 2011 is the best date for the referendum on AV. Combining with other polls on the same day saves money, increases turnout and minimises inconvenience to voters.

Constituencies: Wales

Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister pursuant to the oral statement of 5 July 2010,  Official Report, columns 23-5W, on political and constitutional reform, whether the implementation of his proposals for boundary changes to Parliamentary constituencies in Wales will be dependent on the outcome of the proposed referendum on the transfer of legislative powers under Part 4 of the Government of Wales Act 2006.

Mark Harper: The Government's proposals for more equal constituency sizes for the House of Commons will ensure that votes have more equal weight. The implementation of these proposals will not be dependent on the outcome of the proposed referendum under the Government of Wales Act 2006. The Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill does take account of the link between parliamentary constituencies and Welsh Assembly Government constituencies; the link between the two will be broken so that fewer parliamentary constituencies in future would not lead to a concomitant reduction in the size of the Assembly.

Constituency Size

Alan Reid: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister for what reason he has proposed exceptions to a general proposal that each future parliamentary constituency must have a population of registered electors within five per cent. of a target quota.

Mark Harper: The Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill was introduced on 22nd July and sets out revised rules for the distribution of seats. Rule 2 provides that the electorate of any constituency must be within 95% to 105% of the United Kingdom electoral quota. There are only three possible exceptions:
	Rule 6 preserves the existing constituencies of Orkney and Shetland and Na h-Eileanan an Iar. These constituencies have small populations and are not easily reached from the mainland. They have already been recognised either in legislation or in practice in previous boundary reviews as justifying particular treatment. We have concluded therefore that exceptions for these areas are justified by their particular geography.
	Rule 4 requires that no constituency will be larger than 13,000 square kilometres and that a constituency larger than 12,000 square kilometres would not have to be within 95% of the UK electoral quota, if a Boundary Commission is satisfied that it is not reasonably possible for the constituency to comply with Rule 2. This rule would not, however result in additional representation for a part of the UK where it was applied and all other constituencies in that part of the UK must be within 95-105% of the UK electoral quota. Rule 4 simply aims to prevent extremely geographically large constituencies from having to be created in sparsely populated areas in order to meet the parity requirements.
	Rule 7 applies only to Northern Ireland. Because a whole number of constituencies must be allocated to each part of the UK, the average number of electors in each constituency in each part of the UK will be different from the UK electoral quota. This difference might have a particular impact in Northern Ireland due to the small size of the electorate, and might unfairly constrain the ability of the Boundary Commission for Northern Ireland (BCNI) to take account of other factors set out in the Bill, such as geography and local ties. The size of the other parts of the UK make this problem manageable elsewhere. The Bill therefore provides that if the rounding effect is of a particular magnitude, and the BCNI considers that either their ability to take other factors into account or to complete the review within the deadline set out in the Bill would be unreasonably impaired, then the BCNI may propose constituencies that vary from the UK electoral quota by a fixed amount (the difference between the UK electoral quota and the electorate of Northern Ireland divided by the number of seats allocated to Northern Ireland).

Iraq Conflict: Legal Opinion

Gemma Doyle: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister whether he took advice from the Attorney-General on making reference to the legal status of the invasion of Iraq before doing so during Prime Minister's Questions on 21 July 2010; and if he will make a statement.

Nicholas Clegg: I am happy to confirm that my comments in the House on 21 July 2010 represented my long-held personal view on the legality of the war in Iraq. It is a view I have expressed in public many times before.

Legislation: Public Consultation

Angela Eagle: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what steps he has taken to ensure that people without internet access can participate in his Your Freedom consultation exercise.

Nicholas Clegg: The Government welcome interest in the Your Freedom consultation from all groups in society. Some of these may not have access to the internet, but there are a number of options available from the Government to help them get online. The publicity materials for Your Freedom, stated:
	"If you don't know how to use the internet but would like to be involved in the engagement, call 0800 77 1234 to find your nearest UK online centre. UK online centres are a network of free computer centres across England that offer people help and support to access and use computers and the internet."
	To support the partnership with UK online, fliers, posters and guidance notes were produced which the 3,500 UK online centres can use to promote the Your Freedom dialogue and to encourage participation. Although Your Freedom consultation is specifically an on-line consultation this does not preclude those wishing to contribute ideas to Government doing so through written correspondence.

ENVIRONMENT FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

Agricultural Wages Board

Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the effect of the abolition of the Agricultural Wages Board on the UK's compliance with the provisions of International Labour Organisation Convention No. 129.

James Paice: The UK has not ratified the International Labour Organisation Convention 129 and is therefore not bound by its terms. However, even if the Convention were binding on the UK, the Government consider that its proposal to bring agricultural workers within the scope of the national minimum wage framework would provide an adequate replacement for the agricultural wage regime in terms of the requirements of the Convention.
	Any decision to ratify the Convention would be for Ministers in the Department of Work and Pensions.

Agricultural Wages Board

Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate she has made of the number of workers whose pay and terms and conditions were set by the Agricultural Wages Board in each  (a) region and  (b) constituency in the latest period for which figures are available.

James Paice: The numbers of agricultural workers whose minimum terms and conditions are set by the Agricultural Wages Board are 139,640(1) in England and 12,840(2) in Wales.
	Regional and constituency figures are not available for workers in Wales. Figures for England will be placed in the Library of the House.
	(1) Source:
	DEFRA June Survey of Agriculture 2009
	(2) Source:
	June Survey of Agriculture, Wales

Agricultural Wages Board

Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which of the terms and conditions currently set by the Agricultural Wages Board will not be set by the provisions of the National Minimum Wage Act 1998 after the abolition of the Board.

James Paice: The majority of the terms and conditions currently set by the Agricultural Wages Board, such as a minimum rate of pay, holiday entitlement, sick pay and rest breaks will in future be covered by the minimum entitlements for such matters specified under the National Minimum Wage Act or specified by other relevant employment legislation such as the Working Time Regulations or the Statutory Sick Pay Rules.
	The National Minimum Wage Act and the Working Time Regulations do not make provision for the following entitlements which are currently covered by the Agricultural Wages Order:
	Specific rates of pay for overtime
	Standby duty and night allowance
	Entitlement to bereavement leave
	Birth or adoption grant (currently of £60 per child)
	Dog allowance
	The Agricultural Wages Order makes specific provision for:
	Apprentice under the age of 19, or in the first year of their apprenticeship
	Workers of compulsory school age
	Students on a work placement of less than one year
	Specific provision for these categories of workers is not made under the National Minimum Wage legislation. However, such persons are entitled to employment rights and protections under the Working Time Regulations and the legislation dealing specifically with the employment of children and young people.
	It is also important to note that the terms of a worker's employment contract which exist at the time the Agricultural Wages Board is abolished will continue to apply until such time as the contract is varied by agreement between the employer and the worker, or until the contract comes to an end. This is the case whether the terms are written, verbally agreed or implied by custom and practice. If an employer makes changes to the terms of employment without the worker's agreement, this constitutes a breach of contract. The worker may have a claim for breach of contract, unfair dismissal or unlawful deduction of wages if the change relates to pay.

Agricultural Wages Board

Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions Ministers in her Department had with representatives of agricultural workers prior to her announcement that the Agricultural Wages Board is to be abolished.

James Paice: There have been no specific discussions, but views of the representatives of the two sides of the Agricultural Wages Board have been well known for many years. I have spoken to Ian Waddell, the leader of the workers' side to explain the reasons for the Government's decision, which are that the agricultural wages legislation is outdated, inflexible and imposes regulatory burdens on farmers which are often small businesses. I firmly believe that by lifting the cumbersome requirements of the agricultural wage framework, the industry will be better able to attract new and young entrants to the industry and to meet the challenges of 21st century farming and increasing domestic food production. The abolition of the Board will require amendments to primary legislation and therefore will be subject to proper parliamentary scrutiny and debate.

Agricultural Wages Board

Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether the consent of the Welsh Assembly Government is required to abolish the Agricultural Wages Board in England.

James Paice: The Government fully intend to act in agreement with Welsh Assembly Government colleagues on agricultural wages policy issues in Wales and will bring forward proposals for Wales together with the proposals to give effect to the policy in England to bring agricultural wages in England within the national minimum wages regime. A legislative consent motion before the National Assembly for Wales is not required in these circumstances.

Agricultural Wages Board

David Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions she has had with representatives of trade unions representing workers who are covered by the Agricultural Wages Board on her plans for the future of that Board.

James Paice: There have been no specific discussions, but views of the representatives of the two sides of the Agricultural Wages Board have been well known for many years. I have spoken to Ian Waddell, the leader of the workers' side to explain the reasons for the Government's decision, which is that the agricultural wages legislation is outdated, inflexible and imposes regulatory burdens on farmers which are often small businesses. I firmly believe that by lifting the cumbersome requirements of the agricultural wage framework, the industry will be better able to attract new and young entrants to the industry and to meet the challenges of 21st century farming and increasing domestic food production. The abolition of the Board will require amendments to primary legislation and therefore will be subject to proper parliamentary scrutiny and debate.

Agriculture and Fisheries Council: Devolution

Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent discussions she has had with the Scottish Executive on the attendance of representatives of the devolved administrations at meetings of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council.

James Paice: The Secretary of State and I met recently with Richard Lochhead, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Environment at the Scottish Executive. One of the issues discussed was devolved Administration Ministers' attendance at the Agriculture and Fisheries Council.

Agriculture: Subsidies

Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the written ministerial statement of 20 July 2010,  Official Report, columns 9-10WS, on Rural Payments Agency, whether the Rural Payments Agency met its performance targets on payments to farmers for 2009-10; and what the monetary value of such payments was in each month between December 2009 and March 2010.

James Paice: The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) met both components of its ministerial target 'To have paid 75% by value of valid Single Payment scheme 2009 scheme claims by 31 January 2010 and 90% by value of valid 2009 claims by 31 March 2010 five and six weeks ahead of the target dates.
	RPA also met the EU requirement to pay 95.238% of the SPS 2009 fund value by end of June 2010 during week commencing 19 April 2010, ten weeks ahead of the target date.
	The monetary value of payments made to farmers under the Single Payment scheme (England only) between December 2009 and 31 March 2010 are as follows:
	
		
			  Month  Paid in month £ million 
			 December 1,448.6 
			 January 118.1 
			 February 120.1 
			 March 70.0

Agriculture: Subsidies

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  how many Single Payment scheme claims made in  (a) 2008 and  (b) 2009 remain outstanding;
	(2)  by what date she expects all outstanding Single Payment scheme claims from previous years to have been resolved.

James Paice: The following table sets out the number of outstanding payments for the Single Payment scheme (SPS) years 2008 and 2009 in England.
	
		
			  SPS year  Number of claims outstanding as at 14 July 2010  Percentage of the claimant population outstanding as at 14 July 2010 
			 2008 63 (1)0.006 
			 2009 228 (2)0.212 
			 Total 291 - 
			 (1) Based on an estimated total claimant population of 106,500. (2) Based on an estimated total claimant population of 107,500. 
		
	
	Included within this total of outstanding claims are 180 (53 in 2008 and 127 in 2009) cases involving probate, business partnership changes and domestic issues. Some of these may result in no payment being due but the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) keeps those farmers who have a legitimate outstanding payment aware of the progress in processing their claims.
	The remaining 111 claims are mainly awaiting customer information or are being processed through over payment and entitlement correction actions.
	35 Single Payment scheme claims from 2005-07 remain to be paid. Most of these cases involve probate or legal issues for which we rely on information from external parties. We cannot therefore predict when deceased claimants' estates will be settled and legal confirmation given of the correct recipient of the funds.

Agriculture: Subsidies

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent representations she has received on prosecutions for non-payment of fines relating to the single payment scheme brought by the Crown Prosecution Service.

James Paice: None. There are no legislative provisions for issuing fines under the single payment scheme. However, the EU rules governing the administration of the scheme do provide for a series of reductions and exclusions to be applied to payments where over claims are made. Where it is not possible to recover any overpayments made through deductions from subsequent payments to the relevant claimants, civil law remedies may be applied.

Agriculture: Subsidies

James Wharton: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much the Rural Payments Agency has paid out under the Single Payment Scheme in each year since 2005.

James Paice: Payments made by the Rural Payments Agency in relation to the single payment scheme are presented by scheme year in the following table.
	
		
			  Scheme year  Payments made (£ million) 
			 2005 1,573.60 
			 2006 1,634.28 
			 2007 1,460.23 
			 2008 1,639.21 
			 2009 1,871.96 
		
	
	The table details payments made up to 30 June 2010. The figures exclude Single payment scheme payments made by other paying agencies.

Bovine Tuberculosis: Disease Control

Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the answer of 30 June 2010,  Official Report, column 560W, on bovine tuberculosis: disease control 
	(1)  whether the  (a) culling and  (b) vaccination options under consideration include any to be (i) funded by an industry levy and (ii) implemented by farmers;
	(2)  when she expects to announce her proposals on bovine tuberculosis.

James Paice: The coalition has committed, as part of a package of measures, to develop affordable options for a carefully-managed and science-led policy of badger control in areas with high and persistent levels of bovine TB.
	We are currently developing proposals which we plan to publish for public consultation in the autumn.

Bovine Tuberculosis: Wales

Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the answer of 30 June 2010,  Official Report, column 560W, on bovine tuberculosis disease control, whether she has made an assessment of the effect of the recent court ruling in Wales in respect of the Welsh Assembly Government's plan for the use of badger control measures as part of its bovine tuberculosis strategy.

James Paice: We are studying the Court of Appeal's ruling on the Badger Trust's appeal against the Judicial Review of the Welsh Assembly Government's badger control policy.

Coastal Erosion: Listed Buildings

David Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps her Department is taking to protect listed buildings under threat from coastal erosion.

Edward Vaizey: I have been asked to reply.
	Government policy on managing coastal change, including the impact of coastal erosion on heritage assets, is set out in 'Adapting to Coastal Change: Developing a Policy Framework', which was published by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in March 2010.
	This was developed in partnership with DCMS and with advice from English Heritage, the Government's statutory advisers on the historic environment, and can be found online here:
	http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/flooding/documents/manage/coastalchange-policyframework.pdf

Departmental Communication

Stewart Hosie: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what instructions have been issued by the private office of each Minister in her Department on the preparation of briefing, speeches and replies to official correspondence.

Richard Benyon: Guidance to officials is placed on the DEFRA intranet and updated from time to time. I am arranging for copies of the current guidance to be placed in the Libraries of the House.

Departmental Electronic Equipment

Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much  (a) her Department and its predecessors and  (b) its agencies and non-departmental public bodies spent on televisions in each year since 1997.

Richard Benyon: This information is not held centrally and the information could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
	All public expenditure has to be incurred in accordance with the principles of Managing Public Money and the Treasury handbook on regularity and propriety. Subject to those principles business areas have discretion over purchasing having regard to the evaluation of alternative options and, value for money considerations.

Departmental Internet

Damian Hinds: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much  (a) her Department and  (b) its agencies spent on search engine biasing with (i) Google and (ii) other search engines in each of the last five years.

Richard Benyon: The Department spent £319,792 and £149,710 on paid search in financial years 2008-09 and 2009-10 respectively. We are unable to break these figures down by search engine as the Central Office of Information does not hold that level of detail.
	Figures for financial years 2005-06, 2006-07 and 2007-08 could be collated only at disproportionate cost.
	There was no spend by DEFRA's Executive agencies on paid search in the same time period.

Departmental Lighting

Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much  (a) her Department and its predecessors and  (b) its agencies and non-departmental public bodies spent on light bulbs in each year since 1997.

Richard Benyon: DEFRA (including its Executive agencies), and its non-departmental public bodies Natural England and Commission for Rural Communities spent £36,448.76 on light bulbs since 1 April 2009. Information for previous years and other NDPBs not listed, including Environment Agency is not available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Departmental Official Hospitality

Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much her Department spent on hospitality for events hosted by each Minister in her Department in  (a) May and  (b) June 2010.

Richard Benyon: In May, Ministers hosted a stakeholder event at which hospitality (at a cost of £816) was provided. In the months of May and June, Ministers have hosted no other events at which they provided hospitality at departmental expense.

Departmental Operating Costs

Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she has taken to reduce the running costs of her Department since her appointment.

Richard Benyon: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave the right hon. Member for Sheffield, Brightside and Hillsborough (Mr Blunkett) 12 July 2010,  Official Report, column 456W, which sets out how DEFRA is making £162 million in savings in 2010-11 as part of the announcement by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 24 May of wider public expenditure reductions in 2010-11.
	Further information about these savings is available on the DEFRA website at the
	following link:
	http://ww2.defra.gov.uk/about/corporate-finances

Departmental Security

Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much  (a) her Department and its predecessors and  (b) its agencies and non-departmental public bodies spent on security in each year since 1997.

Richard Benyon: Expenditure on security covers a wide array of issues, including guarding contracts, physical barriers, CCTV, specialist lighting, staff training, information security, personnel vetting and IT encryption, as well as the cost of security teams. Funding for security is not recorded separately.
	Budgets are devolved to agencies and non-departmental public bodies who then apply them as required. To extract security costs separately from other costs would incur a disproportionate cost.

Departmental Training

Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much her  (a) Department and its predecessors and  (b) its agencies and non-departmental public bodies spent on employee training in each year since 1997.

Richard Benyon: The information requested is not held centrally, as training budgets are delegated to divisions and individual managers within the Department. As a consequence the information requested could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Departmental Travel

Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate her Department has made of its expenditure on travel undertaken in an official capacity by  (a) her and  (b) each other Minister in her Department in (i) May 2010 and (ii) June 2010.

Richard Benyon: As set out in the ministerial code Departments will publish, at least quarterly, details of all travel overseas by Ministers. Information for the first quarter will be published as soon as it is ready.
	All travel is undertaken in accordance with the ministerial code.
	Further travel related costs can be found in the replies to the hon. Member for West Bromwich East (Mr Watson) of 7 June 2010,  Official Report, column 15W, and the hon. Member for York Central (Hugh Bayley) of 26 July 2010,  Official Report, column 704W.

Environment Agency

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will bring forward proposals for a formal review of the Environment Agency's policy priorities.

James Paice: holding answer 26 July 2010
	DEFRA is currently carrying out a review of its arm's length bodies as part of the Government's commitment to reform public bodies. We are also currently examining all the Department's expenditure and priorities, including that of the Environment Agency and other bodies, as part of the spending review which is due to conclude on 20 October.

EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council

Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on how many occasions in each year since July 1999 Ministers in the Scottish Executive have  (a) attended,  (b) spoken on behalf of the UK and  (c) taken the lead in meetings of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council to discuss (i) agriculture items and (ii) fisheries items.

James Paice: Ministers from the Scottish Executive regularly attend meetings of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council. In line with the concordat/memorandum of understanding with devolved Administrations, the UK Minister speaks on behalf of the UK on agriculture and fisheries issues at council.

Flood Control: Finance

David Blunkett: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the answer of 7 July 2010,  Official Report, column 456W, on departmental public expenditure, from  (a) what areas and  (b) which projects the expected saving in flood management will be made.

Richard Benyon: The Environment Agency has agreed the changes in the regional programmes (resulting from the in-year savings) with Regional Flood Defence Committees. These will not impact on the delivery of construction projects due to finish this year.
	The Environment Agency is significantly ahead of its target to protect households. It is on course to deliver better protection to at least 160,000 households by March 2011, against a target of 145,000.
	The areas where expenditure has been reduced, resulting in £30 million in-year savings in flood management are: project costs (£26.2 million), strategic assessments (£2 million) and operational activity (£1.8 million).
	The following table shows the schemes which contribute to the £30 million in- year spending cuts for 2010/11 and the Regional Flood Defence Committee areas in which they are located.
	
		
			  RFDC  Projects 
			 Anglian Central Godmanchester FD Improvement Scheme 
			 Anglian Central Ouse Washes 
			 Anglian Central Thetford No 1 Sluice 
			 Anglian Central Welmore Lake Sluice Pump Improvements 
			 Anglian Eastern Ipswich M&E 
			 Anglian Eastern Wallasea Island 
			 Anglian Northern Humber Tetney to Saltfleet 1&2 
			 Anglian Northern Wisbech Defences 
			 Midlands Sheepwash Repairs 
			 Midlands Childswickham and Murcot 
			 Midlands Upton Upon Severn 
			 Midlands Gunness 
			 Midlands Newark FAS 
			 Midlands Gainsborough Frontages 
			 North West Didsbury Flood Basin Drainage imps 
			 Northumbria Blyth Sea Defences 
			 Southern Cleve Hill Land Purchase 
			 Thames Salmons Brook FAS 
			 Thames B&D Frontage; R006 01 La Porte Chemicals 
			 Thames CAP Refurbishment Prog Thames 
			 Thames Graveney Channel Fencing and Future Maintain HandS 
			 Thames R Brent Remedials 
			 Thames R Crane Remedials 
			 Thames Regional FW Telemetry: Phase VII 
			 Thames B&C Package 2 - 6 EA Bridges - ncpms 
			 Thames Benson Weir Walkways 
			 Thames Poyle Channel Improvements 
			 Thames B&C Package 1 - 3 Non EA Bridges 
			 Thames B&C Package 3 -10 EA Bridges 
			 Thames Osney Depot Dry Dock Gates 
			 Thames Greenwich Package 14 
			 Thames Rainham Creek Dam E017 
			 Yorkshire Donna Nook 
			 Yorkshire Catterick 
			 Yorkshire River Spen

Floods: Gloucestershire

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she expects to take a decision on authorising the land purchase in connection with the Horsbere Brook Flood Prevention Scheme at Longlevens and Elmbridge in Gloucestershire; and if she will make a statement.

Richard Benyon: Terms and conditions are being agreed between the Environment Agency and the landowner. The Environment Agency expects to be in a position to secure the land in August 2010.

Food Standards Agency

Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the written ministerial statement of 20 July 2010,  Official Report, column 12WS, on machinery of government changes, what criteria were used in reaching the decision on the future role of the Food Standards Agency.

James Paice: The criteria were that food safety should remain independent of Government, but that wider food policy issues should not. It follows that wider food policy for England, where not concerning food safety, has been transferred from the Food Standards Agency (FSA) to the Department for Food, Environment and Rural Affairs and the Department of Health. These changes will allow the FSA to focus on its core remit: ensuring all aspects of food safety, underpinned by scientific expertise.

Food: Labelling

Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the Prime Minister's written ministerial statement of 20 July 2010,  Official Report, column 12WS, on Machinery of Government changes, what assessment she has made of the effects on the  (a) budget and  (b) staffing level of her Department of the change to her Department's responsibilities in respect of food labelling.

James Paice: We are finalising staff numbers and associated budget but approximately 25 labelling and food composition policy posts will be moving to DEFRA.

Food: Labelling

Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the Prime Minister's written ministerial statement of 20 July 2010,  Official Report, column 12WS, on Machinery of Government changes, when she expects to publish details of her Department's new responsibilities in respect of food labelling.

James Paice: As set out in the press release published on the DEFRA website on 20 July, DEFRA is now responsible for:
	policy on food labelling, where this does not relate to food safety or nutrition. This includes country of origin labelling;
	policy on food composition standards and labelling, where unrelated to food safety;
	leading within Government on the EU Food Information Regulation and other EU negotiations on food labelling except for safety or nutrition aspects.

Food: Labelling

Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the Prime Minister's written ministerial statement of 20 July 2010,  Official Report, column 12WS, on Machinery of Government changes, what criteria will be used to determine those aspects of food labelling and food composition policy which are the responsibility of her Department.

James Paice: For England, policy on food labelling and food composition, other than that relating to nutrition or to food safety, has been transferred to DEFRA, and policy relating to nutrition labelling will transfer to the Department of Health. These changes will allow the FSA to focus on its core remit: ensuring all aspects of food safety, underpinned by scientific expertise.
	The changes will strengthen food policy in DEFRA and support the Government's commitment to give consumers better information on where their food comes from.

Food: Standards

Adrian Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the answer of 19 July 2010,  Official Report, column 6W, on food: standards, what recommendations the task force has made to her Department; what assistance she has provided to the task force since her appointment; and if she will make a statement.

James Paice: The Fruit and Vegetables Task Force presented its interim report to DEFRA Ministers in June 2010. I have since attended the task force's last meeting on 30 June to discuss the interim proposals and have asked the task force to continue its work. The task force's proposals will be published in due course.

Food: Standards

Adrian Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the answer of 19 July 2010,  Official Report, column 6W, on food: standards, when the task force will next meet.

James Paice: The Fruit and Vegetables Task Force is expected to meet next in the early autumn. The task force's three subgroups will continue to meet over the summer.

Food: Standards

Adrian Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the answer of 19 July 2010,  Official Report, column 6W, on food: standards, which body will take up the responsibilities of the Food Standards Agency in respect of the fruit and vegetable task force.

James Paice: The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has been represented on both the Fruit and Vegetables Task Force and its consumption subgroup. In future the Department of Health will take up the FSA's positions on the task force and subgroup.

Forests: Stockton on Tees

James Wharton: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether Thornaby woods in Stockton South constituency is classified as ancient woodland.

James Paice: Thornaby Wood is shown as ancient woodland on the Provisional Ancient Woodland Inventory for England. However, new woodland creation has taken place to the north and south of the ancient woodland area.

Genetically Modified Organisms

Michael Meacher: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what research projects involving genetically-modified  (a) crops,  (b) food and  (c) feed her Department has funded since 1997; what the (i) topic, (ii) start date, (iii) cost and (iv) project code was of each such project; who the main contractor was in each case; and which such projects have been completed to date.

James Paice: The following table lists research projects commissioned by DEFRA or its predecessors relating to GM crops, food and feed. It does not include some projects that were completed before the establishment of DEFRA in 2001, for which details are not readily available. Most of the DEFRA projects in this area relate to the risk assessment of GM organisms and the coexistence of GM and non-GM crops, rather than the development of GM crops as such.
	
		
			  DEFRA research projects involving genetically modified crops, food and feed 
			  Code  Title  Contractor  DEFRA costs (£)  Start  End 
			 CE0158 Transformation of wheat by Agrobacterium co-cultivation Rothamsted Research (BBSRC) 88,434 1 April 1998 31 March 2000 
			 CE0161 Agrobacterium mediated transformation of oats Institute of Grassland and Environment Research 82,059 1 May 1998 30 April 2000 
			 AR1001 Scale-up of Agrobacterium mediated transformation of oats to detect low frequency stable integrations Institute of Grassland and Environment Research 46,987 1 October 2000 30 September 2001 
			 AR1002 Genetic transformation of wheat using Agrobacterium tumifaciens Rothamsted Research (BBSRC) 56,372 1 October 2000 30 September 2001 
			 AR1003 Reproducible Agrobacterium-mediated transformation systems for wheat and barley John Innes Centre (BBSRC) 60,271 1 October 2000 30 September 2001 
			 CE0159 Development of a routine system for Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of barley De Montfort University, Dept of Applied 150,143 1 December 1998 30 September 2001 
			 CE0173 Nuclear and plastid transformation of wheat and tritordeum using the streptomycin-selectable aadA marker gene The University of Manchester 149,635 1 October 1998 30 September 2001 
			 HH2119SSF Control of transgene expression in strawberry Horticulture Research International 206,398 1 October 1998 30 September 2001 
			 HH1616SPC Modification of chrysanthemum growth habit thorough genetic manipulation Horticulture Research International 228,172 1 September 1998 30 November 2001 
			 CB02015 Implementing Directive 2001/18/EC-information requirements People, Science and Policy Ltd 24,915 1 October 2001 31 January 2002 
			 HH3706STF Examination of gusA transgene expression in the fruit of transgenic apple plants driven by plant promotors Horticulture Research International 29,398 19 November 2001 31 March 2002 
			 HL0110LFV Genetic modification of Brassica oleracea for resistance to turnip and cauliflower mosiac viruses Horticulture Research International 180,956 1 October 1998 31 March 2002 
			 HH1020THN Genetic modification of rootstocks for disease resistance in rose University of Nottingham 274,772 1 December 1998 30 April 2002 
			 CB02007 Impact of Bt exudates from roots of GM plants Forest Research Station (Alice Holt) 37,669 1 July 2001 1 June 2002 
			 CE0171 Gene regulation in transgenic wheat including methods to increase expression and/or reduce variation in expression John Innes Centre (BBSRC) 277,947 1 January 1999 30 June 2002 
			 HH0909SFV Genetics of transformation and regeneration in horticultural brassicas John Innes Centre (BBSRC) 298,195 1 February 1999 31 July 2002 
			 CB02014 Impacts of contemporary and alternative arable cropping systems Natural Environment Research Council (Central Office) 44,654 15 April 2002 31 October 2002 
			 CS0119 Digestion and absorption of feed components in broilers ADAS UK Ltd. 230,798 1 May 2001 31 October 2002 
			 CB02010 Modelling effects on farmland food webs of herbicide and insecticide management I University of East Anglia 150,564 10 December 2001 30 November 2002 
			 AR1004 An investigation into strategies to improve pea transformation John Innes Centre (BBSRC) 73,405 1 January 2001 31 March 2003 
			 HH0915SMU Molecular analysis of integrative transformants of the mushroom Horticulture Research International 343,209 1 April 2000 31 March 2003 
			 CB02001 Farm-scale evaluations of GM beet and farmland wildlife Natural Environment Research Council (Central Office) 1,460,288 1 June 2000 31 March 2003 
			 CB02003 Farm-scale evaluations of GM spring oilseed rape and wildlife Scottish Crop Research Institute 1,307,068 9 April 1999 31 March 2003 
			 CB02022 Supply chain impacts of further regulation of products consisting of, containing or derived from GMOs LMC International 72,944 1 May 2003 11 July 2003 
			 CB02011 Compositional traits-effect on GM survivability and persistence Atkins Environment 49,945 11 February 2002 31 July 2003 
			 CB02012 Modelling effects on farmland food webs of herbicide and insecticide management II Natural Environment Research Council (Central Office) 138,512 3 January 2002 31 July 2003 
			 CE0172 Use of maize and rice MAR sequences to stabilise the expression of transgenes in wheat Rothamsted Research (BBSRC) 327,161 19 December 1999 31 December 2003 
			 CB02030 Support for the British Ornithologists' Union conference on GM crops and birds British Ornithologist's Union 10,000 5 February 2004 6 February 2004 
			 CB02008 Impact of transgenes for herbivore and virus resistance Natural Environment Research Council (Central Office) 396,428 1 April 1999 30 March 2004 
			 CB02027 GM crop farm-scale evaluation results presentations and open meetings Lewislive Ltd 60,105 15 September 2003 31 March 2004 
			 HH0910SFV New techniques for genetic improvement of horticultural brassicas. Horticulture Research International 1,323,082 1 April 1999 31 March 2004 
			 HH0911SFV Genetic improvement of lettuce Horticulture Research International 841,013 1 April 1999 31 March 2004 
			 HH1031SSF Tissue and plastid targeted transgene expression in a perennial plant, strawberry Horticulture Research International 393,734 1 November 2000 31 March 2004 
			 CB02004 Farm-scale evaluations of GM winter oilseed rape and wildlife Rothamsted Research (BBSRC) 1,305,999 9 April 1999 31 March 2004 
			 CB02018 Determining risks to soil organisms associated with a genetically modified crop expressing a biopesticide in its roots University of Leeds 36,882 1 October 2000 30 April 2004 
			 CB02002 Farm-scale evaluations of GM maize and farmland wildlife Natural Environment Research Council (Central Office) 1,643,331 9 April 1999 30 April 2004 
			 CB02023 Estimate consumer willingness to pay for reducing or eliminating GM products or derivatives in food and increasing robustness of the labelling regime The University of Manchester 94,550 22 April 2003 30 April 2004 
			 CB02031 Evaluation of the organisation and management of the GM farm-scale evaluations Institute of Grassland and Environment Research 16,000 18 March 2004 18 June 2004 
			 CB02006 Gene flow monitoring: herbicide resistance genes to wild crop relatives Natural Environment Research Council (Central Office) 337,481 10 May 2000 30 June 2004 
			 CB02024 Mechanisms for investigating changes in soil ecology due to GMO releases Atkins Environment 49,784 16 June 2003 30 June 2004 
			 CB02038 GM co-existence consultation-support for workshops New Game-Plan Ltd 10,431 28 August 2004 16 September 2004 
			 CB02029 The statistical theory and analysis of GMO enforcement Central Science Laboratory 24,779 1 June 2004 29 October 2004 
			 AR0911 Smart plant technology for sensing crop nutritional status Rothamsted Research (BBSRC) 209,608 1 December 2001 30 November 2004 
			 CB02016 Assessment of the distribution of GM material in kernel lots Central Science Laboratory 35,020 12 December 2002 31 December 2004 
			 HH2116SMU Mushroom quality-loss after harvest-causes and control University of Warwick 397,220 1 April 2001 31 March 2005 
			 CB02017 Non-target effects of transgenic crop plants resistant to virus diseases John Innes Centre (BBSRC) 18,327 1 July 2000 30 April 2005 
			 CB02013 Biodiversity effects of management associated with GM cropping systems Centre for Ecology and Hydrology 37,064 15 April 2002 12 September 2005 
			 CB02021 Strategies for risk assessment, minimising the environmental impact of fungal disease-suppressing GM bacteria and plants on non-target species (was RG0126) Natural Environment Research Council (Central Office) 355,400 1 April 2002 30 September 2005 
			 CB02005 Monitoring gene flow from the GM crop to non-GM equivalent crops in the vicinity Central Science Laboratory 248,596 1 June 2000 30 September 2005 
			 CB02045 Detection and traceability technologies to underpin GM inspection and enforcement Central Science Laboratory 66,082 1 April 2003 30 September 2005 
			 CB02046 Plasmid standards for real time PCR and UKAS accreditation of GM enforcement testing Central Science Laboratory 68,085 1 April 2003 30 September 2005 
			 CB02036 Desk study on technologies for biological containment of GM and non-GM crops Reading University 52,506 1 June 2005 30 November 2005 
			 CB02043 Agronomic and environmental implications of the establishment of GM herbicide tolerant problem weeds Rothamsted Research (BBSRC) 40,123 8 March 2005 30 November 2005 
			 CB02033 Monitoring occurrence of GM oilseed rape volunteers in subsequent oilseed rape crops at FSE sites Scottish Crop Research Institute 500,000 1 May 2004 31 December 2005 
			 CB02039 Review of separation distances and buffer crops for co-existence between GM and non-GM crops National Institute of Agricultural Botany 49,950 10 June 2004 31 December 2005 
			 CB02041 RNA-mediated gene silencing mechanisms and their implications in plants John Innes Centre (BBSRC) 24,452 21 February 2005 31 December 2005 
			 CB02040 Quantitative approaches to the risk assessment of GM crops Central Science Laboratory 100,000 14 March 2005 28 February 2006 
			 CB02034 Farm-scale evaluations: further sampling of soil seed bank and seedling emergence Rothamsted Research (BBSRC) 351,759 1 May 2004 31 March 2006 
			 CB02037 Farm-scale evaluations: further sampling of soil seed bank and seedling emergence-CEH contract Centre for Ecology and Hydrology 117,434 1 May 2004 31 March 2006 
			 CB02042 Availability and use of general surveillance information for potential changes resulting from GM crop cultivation Central Science Laboratory 48,168 1 April 2005 31 March 2006 
			 AR1005 BRACT-Biotechnology Resources for Arable Crop Transformation John Innes Centre (BBSRC) 898,468 1 June 2003 28 February 2007 
			 CB02035 Sustainable introduction of GMOs into European agriculture (SIGMEA) Central Science Laboratory 84,248 1 May 2004 1 May 2007 
			 CB02020 Factors affecting cross-pollination in OSR growing under typical UK conditions Scottish Crop Research Institute 825,105 1 November 2002 31 May 2007 
			 CB02025 Insertion of cauliflower mosaic virus DNA into host genomes during natural viral infections Scottish Crop Research Institute 203,329 1 February 2004 31 July 2007 
			 CB02032 The potential for horizontal gene transfer from transgenic plants to fungi University of Exeter 421,779 1 June 2004 31 October 2007 
			 CB02019 Factors affecting rates of cross-pollination in maize growing under typical UK conditions Institute of Grassland and Environment Research 831,415 1 April 2003 31 March 2008 
			 CB0301 Investigation of the establishment and persistence of GM potato volunteers and the potential consequences for current EU labelling thresholds for GM Central Science Laboratory 16,687 15 October 2008 31 January 2009 
			 CB02026 Curation of the data collected in the farm-scale evaluations Natural Environment Research Council (Central Office) 194,321 1 April 2003 31 March 2009 
			 CB02044 COEXTRA (GM and non-GM supply chains: their CO-EXistence and TRAceability Central Science Laboratory 170,161 1 April 2005 30 September 2009 
			 CB02049 Adventitious GM presence arising through use of shared farming machinery, transport and storage equipment Central Science Laboratory 92,423 15 January 2009 15 July 2010 
			 CB02048 Modelling the fitness value of the Arabidopsis thaliana Circadian Clock University of Exeter 27,000 8 January 2008 7 January 2011

Hill Farming: Birds

Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the contribution of game management to the management of upland areas.

James Paice: The Government recognise the importance of the contribution which game management makes to the creation and management of the relevant habitat types. 96% of those Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) which are grouse moor are now in favourable or recovering condition, increasing from 51% in 2006. This is a reflection of moorland managers' awareness of the importance and sensitivity of upland biodiversity.

Hydroelectric Power

Duncan Hames: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many extraction licences for hydroelectric schemes the Environment Agency has  (a) issued,  (b) refused and  (c) received but not determined in each of the last three years.

Richard Benyon: The following table shows the number of hydroelectric power licenses the Environment Agency have issued, refused and received since 1 November 2008. Before this date licenses were handled by the areas, as oppose to centrally through the National Permitting Centre.
	
		
			  Hydropower licences ,  1 November 2008 to 26 July 2010 
			  Number 
			   2008  2009  2010 
			 Licences issued 0 34 38 
			 Licences refused 0 0 5 
			 Licences received 11 58 64 
			  Note: Currently being worked on 57, with 16 waiting to be picked up.

Pheasants: Animal Welfare

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will bring forward proposals to ban battery cages for breeding pheasants.

James Paice: There are no proposals to bring forward legislation to ban cages for breeding game birds.
	On 22 July, the Government laid before Parliament a Code of Practice for the Welfare of Gamebirds Reared for Sporting Purposes. The section of the code relating to the housing of game birds recommends that barren cages should not be used and is line with the recommendations of the Farm Animal Welfare Council's Opinion of 2008.
	The code was drafted by a working group of representatives of industry, shooting interests and animal welfare organisations.
	In the meantime, game birds reared for sporting purposes continue to be protected by the Animal Welfare Act 2006, which makes it an offence to cause any unnecessary suffering to an animal as well as failing to provide for the welfare needs of an animal under the control of man.

Phytophthora Ramorum

Dan Rogerson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she is taking to assist with the clearance and re-stocking of sites affected by Phytophthora ramorum.

James Paice: On 6 July this year, the Forestry Commission announced a £600,000 support package to support woodland owners in tackling the outbreak of Phytophthora ramorum infection in larch trees in south-west England and south Wales. The package has been put in place as part of DEFRA's five-year Phytophthora programme, which is being managed by the Food and Environment Research Agency (Fera). The first £100,000 has been earmarked to give private sector owners access to professional advice about how to have infected trees felled and marketed in ways that comply with biosecurity and other regulations. Owners will be able to apply for up to £1,000 of aid from this part of the fund.
	The remaining £500,000 will be used to prevent further spread of the disease. It will help owners with the costs of clearing immature or 'thicket-stage' Japanese larch from affected sites, both privately owned and those managed by the Forestry Commission, especially those most likely to cause further spread of the disease.
	Further details are available on the Forestry Commission's Phytophthora ramorum web pages.
	Scientists from Forest Research are preparing guidance on restocking sites affected by Phytophthora ramorum for owners and managers. They expect to be able to issue this within the next few weeks on the Forestry Commission website.
	The Forestry Commission and Fera are working closely with industry to develop guidelines for improvements in parks and garden management, and in the retail and nursery trade, which will further reduce the spread of the disease.

Phytophthora Ramorum: Cornwall

Dan Rogerson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent assessment she has made of the spread of Phytophthora ramorum in Cornwall.

James Paice: Since the first detection of Phytophthora ramorum in Sussex in May 2002, a systematic programme of surveys has been carried out by the Food and Environment Research Agency and the Forestry Commission covering nurseries, garden centres, woodland and other sites in the wider environment, with action being taken to destroy infected plants that posed a risk of further spread: especially Rhododendrons.
	In August 2009, the pathogen was found for the first time in Japanese larch, a commercial forestry tree species, at sites in Cornwall (as well as in Devon and Somerset), and surveys since then have found a number of further sites where trees have been infected. These surveys have intensified and are ongoing, supported by aerial surveillance by helicopter. Notice has now been served on 373 hectares in Cornwall, which have been confirmed with the infection since the initial outbreak was discovered. Only one new infected site was found between April and June this year. Most of the infected sites are on the public forest estate.
	In addition to this, since the first infections were discovered, there have been 166 non-larch sites confirmed as infected in parks and gardens in Cornwall. At least 22 of these are now confirmed as being clear of the pathogen.

Rural Payments Agency: Costs

James Wharton: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the administrative costs of the Rural Payments Agency have been in each year since 2005.

James Paice: The total spent by RPA on administration (net running) costs in each year since 2005 are as follows:
	
		
			   £000 
			 2008-09 240,429 
			 2007-08 241,716 
			 2006-07 228,337 
			 2005-06 239,209 
		
	
	Included in the above are costs associated with the UK Co-ordinating Body, as reported in RPA's annual report and accounts. The figures include in year adjustments over and above the budget allocation for additional work taken on by RPA during the financial year.
	The 2009-10 costs are yet to be signed off by the Comptroller and Auditor General.

Sustainable Development Commission

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the contribution of the Sustainable Development Commission to the Government's sustainability strategy.

James Paice: The Sustainable Development Commission (SDC) has made a positive contribution across Government and society over the past 10 years and I pay tribute to its work and to the current and previous chairs, Will Day and Jonathon Porritt.
	As the Sustainable Development Commission's report on Sustainable Development in Government, published on 22 July, makes clear, there is more to be done. The Prime Minister has pledged that this will be the greenest Government ever. While Government have made progress, we need to take more concerted action on the carbon agenda, led by DECC, and also on the wider sustainability agenda including waste, water, biodiversity, resource efficiency and other areas which DEFRA leads on. As set out in our Structural Reform Plan, this will help to mainstream sustainability and strengthen the Government's performance.
	As the Secretary of State announced in a written ministerial statement on 22 July 2010,  Official Report, columns 31-33WS, to do this effectively across Government, DEFRA will establish an enhanced departmental capability and presence on sustainable development and withdraw funding from the SDC from the next financial year, increasing Government responsibility and transparency.

Trade Unions

Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much her Department has paid to trade unions in each year since 2001; and what estimate she has made of the monetary value of facilities provided by her Department for use by trade unions in each year since 2001.

Richard Benyon: DEFRA does not pay any money directly to any of its recognised trade unions. DEFRA does grant its trade union representatives reasonable time off and facilities to carry out trade union duties, activities and training in accordance with their statutory rights.
	The financial value of the facilities provided to the trade unions for the financial years 2009-10 is estimated at £1,201,301 for DEFRA and its Executive agencies.
	Records for earlier years are not readily available and can be produced only at a disproportionate cost.

Trade Unions

Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many paid manpower hours civil servants in her Department spent on trade union-related duties and activities in each year since 2001.

Richard Benyon: For the financial year 2009-10 DEFRA and its agencies provided its trade union representatives with approximately 6,805 hours facility time.
	Records for earlier years are not readily available and can be provided only at a disproportionate cost.

Trade Unions

Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many civil servants in her Department spent the equivalent of  (a) five days or fewer,  (b) five to 10 days,  (c) 10 to 15 days,  (d) 15 to 20 days,  (e) 20 to 25 days and  (f) 25 days or more on trade union-related activities or duties while being paid salaries from the public purse in each year since 2001.

Richard Benyon: This information to answer this question is not readily available and can be provided only at a disproportionate cost.

Water Companies

Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will take steps to encourage utility companies to  (a) increase the reliability of water supplies and  (b) reduce the frequency of hosepipe bans and other measures to conserve water supplies.

Richard Benyon: holding answer 26 July 2010
	All water companies plan for secure water supplies through their 25-year water resources management plans. These set out how a company will provide for a sustainable supply and demand balance, taking into account pressures such as population growth and climate change.
	This does not mean that they can avoid introducing restrictions in times of water shortages although typically companies plan for restrictions once every 20 years. To plan for resources that would meet demand in any circumstances would accrue significant additional costs, which would be passed to customers, and would also have environmental impacts. All companies take a risk-based approach. They balance a planned level of service, which includes measures such as hosepipe bans, against the costs customers are willing to pay for a secure supply.

Water Companies

Robert Buckland: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will require water companies not to use housing targets contained in regional spatial strategies to inform water demand forecasts as part of their water resources management plans.

Richard Benyon: We expect to review how the process has worked for this first round of statutory plans once all are published. We also expect to consider the need for changes to existing guidance, including that on demand forecasts, before the next set of plans is prepared. This will take into account the revocation of the regional strategies. We will continue to ensure that these plans take appropriate account of the best available housing growth data.

HOME DEPARTMENT

Alcoholic Drinks

Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  what methodology her Department plans to use to calculate the cost price of alcohol;
	(2)  when she plans to bring forward legislative proposals to prohibit the sale of alcohol below cost price.

James Brokenshire: We are determined to tackle the sale of below cost alcohol, and clamp down on irresponsible sales where this has been shown to impact on crime and disorder. The Government are considering the detail of what "below cost selling" constitutes and how the ban will be enforced. We will work closely with other Government Departments including the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and the Office of Fair Trading, as well as representatives of the licensed trade, including the supermarkets, to determine how best to effectively implement this commitment, without unduly adding a bureaucratic burden for businesses.

Animal Experiments

Angela Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what organisations  (a) she and  (b) other Ministers in her Department (i) have met and (ii) plan to meet to discuss policy and practice on scientific procedures on animals.

Lynne Featherstone: I have already met with representatives from the UK Bioscience sector coalition and the chair of the Animal Procedures Committee. I have meetings scheduled with representatives from the British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection and Animal Defenders International and a date is to be arranged to meet with representatives from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Asylum

Robin Walker: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment she has made of the effect of the delay in processing asylum applications on the hidden economy and the level of illegal working.

Damian Green: It is our priority to ensure that those who apply for asylum in the UK have their applications processed as quickly as possible. That is why, as outlined in the Partnership Programme, the Government are committed to exploring new ways to improve the current asylum system to speed up the processing of applications. The UK Border Agency is working to meet this commitment and improve the asylum process, which will help promote swifter refugee integration and, where asylum is refused, will assist in ensuring the return and reintegration of failed asylum seekers is done as smoothly and effectively as possible.
	The Government are committed to cracking down on illegal working, including any asylum seekers working illegally. Regular raids on employers are carried out and employers are liable for a fine of up to £10,000 per illegal worker.

British Nationality

Eric Ollerenshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people  (a) applied for and  (b) were refused UK citizenship in (i) Lancashire, (ii) the North West and (iii) the UK in each year since 1997.

Damian Green: The information requested is shown in the following tables. Totals for the UK have been taken from the 2009 Home Office Statistical Bulletin. The information relating to Lancashire and the north-west has been provided from local management information and is not a National Statistic. As such it should be treated as provisional and therefore subject to change.
	
		
			  Table 1: Nationality applications received and refusals of British citizenship in the north-west, 1997 to 2009 
			  Number 
			   Applications received  Refused 
			   Total for the UK  Total for the north-west  Total for Lancashire  Total for the UK  Total for the north-west  Total for Lancashire 
			 1997 66,000 - - 4,745 - - 
			 1998 68,030 - - 3,750 - - 
			 1999 67,400 - - 3,995 - - 
			 2000 62,475 - - 6,785 - - 
			 2001 109,005 - - 9,530 - - 
			 2002 115,500 - - 8,330 - - 
			 2003 147,345 - - 10,555 - - 
			 2004 132,630 6,135 795 13,820 315 30 
			 2005 211,910 11,025 1,195 16,640 830 70 
			 2006 140,925 7,615 670 15,310 740 75 
			 2007 157,055 9,495 825 15,630 760 55 
			 2008 156,015 11,385 975 9,085 520 45 
			 2009 193,810 15,630 1,510 10,250 865 50 
		
	
	
		
			  Table 2: Applications received in the north-west, 2004-09 
			  Number 
			  Local authority  2004  2005  2006  2007  2008  2009 
			 Blackburn and Darwen 410 785 230 255 370 700 
			 Blackpool 70 120 105 145 135 155 
			 Bolton 410 760 340 565 775 975 
			 Bury 160 260 145 235 270 405 
			 Cumbria 85 200 95 160 210 230 
			 East Cheshire - - - - 5 275 
			 Halton 10 35 40 40 40 75 
			 Isle of Man 60 85 105 75 145 200 
			 Knowsley 45 55 55 65 75 160 
			 Lancashire 795 1,195 670 825 975 1,510 
			 Liverpool 490 970 775 865 1,095 1,555 
			 Manchester 1,495 3,075 2,460 3,080 3,275 3,810 
			 Oldham 335 595 255 340 705 1,165 
			 Rochdale 275 390 210 370 475 685 
			 Salford 125 340 320 315 470 625 
			 Sefton 70 105 100 90 100 145 
			 St Helens 45 70 60 85 95 120 
			 Stockport 215 425 300 325 330 470 
			 Tameside 150 220 115 175 250 445 
			 Trafford 335 510 410 530 520 710 
			 Warrington 70 170 120 170 180 285 
			 West Cheshire 280 380 350 370 455 275 
			 Wigan 70 105 185 170 210 310 
			 Wirral 135 180 170 250 220 340 
			 Total 6,135 11,025 7,615 9,495 11,385 15,630 
			  Notes: 1. Figures have been rounded to the nearest 5. Totals may not sum to their components due to rounding. 2. Citizenship ceremonies were introduced Jan 2004, this is when the applicants postcodes were mapped to their nearest local authority. 3. Total for Lancashire only includes Lancashire local authority. A breakdown of all the north-west local authorities is presented in the second table. 4. The total for the UK figures have been taken from the 2009 Home Office Statistical Bulletin. 5. Applications received for the UK to 2004 include applications for right of abode. Total applications for 2005 and all application figures for the north-west and Lancashire exclude right of abode cases.  Source:  Local Management Information provided by UKBA, North West Region Planning and MI Team. 
		
	
	
		
			  Table 3: Refusals of British citizenship in the north-west, 2004-09 
			  Local authority  2004  2005  2006  2007  2008  2009 
			 Blackburn and Darwen 15 40 60 15 15 45 
			 Blackpool 5 15 5 5 5 10 
			 Bolton 15 50 55 30 45 45 
			 Bury 10 15 10 20 10 40 
			 Cumbria 10 20 10 10 5 5 
			 East Cheshire - - - - - 10 
			 Halton (1)- 5 5 5 - (1)- 
			 Knowsley 5 10 (1)- 5 - 5 
			 Lancashire 30 70 75 55 45 50 
			 Liverpool 35 65 75 80 45 95 
			 Manchester 100 300 230 315 175 265 
			 Oldham 25 45 30 40 20 55 
			 Rochdale 20 25 35 20 25 35 
			 Salford 10 25 40 40 35 60 
			 Sefton - 5 (1)- 5 (1)- 5 
			 St Helens - 5 5 (1)- 5 5 
			 Stockport 5 25 25 20 15 35 
			 Tameside 5 15 5 10 5 15 
			 Trafford 10 35 25 30 20 20 
			 Warrington (1)- 10 10 5 5 10 
			 West Cheshire 10 25 20 20 15 10 
			 Wigan 5 10 5 10 15 25 
			 Wirral 10 15 10 20 10 10 
			 Total 315 830 740 760 520 865 
			 (1 )Negligible i.e. 2 or less.   Notes:  1. Figures have been rounded to the nearest 5. Totals may not sum to their components due to rounding. 2. Citizenship ceremonies were introduced Jan 2004, this is when the applicants postcodes were mapped to their nearest local authority. 3. Total for Lancashire only includes Lancashire local authority. A breakdown of all the north-west local authorities is presented in this table. 4. The total for the UK figures have been taken from the 2009 Home Office Statistical Bulletin. 5. Applications received for the UK to 2004 include applications for right of abode. Total applications for 2005 and all application figures for the north-west and Lancashire exclude right of abode cases.  Source:  Local Management Information provided by UKBA, North West Region Planning and MI Team.

Crime: Fraud

Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many incidents of criminal activity involving stolen driving licences there were in the latest period for which figures are available; and if she will make a statement.

James Brokenshire: The information requested is not collected centrally. While the Home Office collects data on offences recorded by the police in England and Wales, it is not possible to identify those which involved the use of stolen driving licences.

Crime: Unemployment

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if she will make an assessment of the effects on levels of  (a) crime and  (b) civil disobedience of changes in the level of unemployment.

Nick Herbert: There are no current plans to make an assessment of the effects on levels of crime or civil disobedience of changes in the level of unemployment.

Criminal Records Bureau

David Mowat: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the Criminal Records Bureau's revenue was in the latest period for which figures are available.

Lynne Featherstone: The revenue generated by the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) for the latest financial year (2009-10) is £127.3 million.

Criminal Records Bureau

David Mowat: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department in respect of how many individuals the Criminal Records Bureau received  (a) more than one,  (b) more than two and  (c) more than five applications for (i) standard and (ii) an enhanced disclosure in the most recent 12 months period for which figures are available; and if she will make a statement.

Lynne Featherstone: The Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) does not hold this information. The Bureau's system stores information based upon each application and not on each individual applicant. Each application is treated as a new application.
	It is ultimately for each recruiting organisation and not the CRB to decide whether and when a certificate should be applied for.
	The decision to request these checks are made in line with the organisations' own internal recruitment policies and any legislation that governs them.
	A CRB certificate is not clearance to work; it simply provides the recruiting organisation with the information available at that time on which to base their decision. As conviction or other relevant information can be recorded against an individual at any time, authorities may decide that a new application needs to be made to make sure the information provided is accurate and up to date on each occasion.

Death: Weapons

Chuka Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  how many 13 to 19 year olds were killed in shootings in  (a) Streatham constituency,  (b) the London Borough of Lambeth,  (c) London and  (d) England in (i) each year from 2005 to 2009 and (ii) 2010 on the latest date for which figures are available;
	(2)  how many 13 to 19 year olds were killed in knife incidents or stabbings in  (a) Streatham constituency,  (b) the London Borough of Lambeth,  (c) London and  (d) England in (i) each year from 2005 to 2009 and (ii) 2010 on the latest date for which figures are available.

James Brokenshire: Available information is from the Homicide Index and relates to offences currently recorded as homicide (murder, manslaughter and infanticide) as at 24 November 2009. Data from the Homicide Index cannot be broken down below police force area level, and so data only for London and England can be provided. The following tables show the number of homicide victims aged 13 to 19 years inclusive where the apparent method of killing is 'sharp instrument' or 'shooting', in each financial year from 2005-06 to 2008-09. Figures for 2009-10 will be published in January 2011 in Home Office Statistical Bulletin "Homicides, Firearm Offences and Intimate Violence 2009/10".
	
		
			  Table 1: Offences currently( 1)  recorded as homicide by apparent method of killing for victims aged 13 to 19, England, 2005-06 to 2008-09( 2) 
			  Recorded crime (Number) 
			  Method of killing  2005-06  2006-07  2007-08  2008-09 
			 Sharp instrument(3) 25 30 44 34 
			 Shooting(4) 6 11 10 7 
			 (1) As at 24 November 2009; figures are subject to revision as cases are dealt with by the police and by the courts, or as further information becomes available. (2) Offences are shown according to the year in which police initially recorded the offence as homicide. This is not necessarily the year in which the incident took place or the year in which any court decision was made. (3) Includes knives and other sharp instruments. (4) Including shooting by crossbow. Excludes homicides where firearms used as a blunt instrument. 
		
	
	
		
			  Table 2 : Offences currently( 1)  recorded as homicide by apparent method of killing for victims aged 13 to 19,  London region( 2) , 2005-06 to 2008-09( 3) 
			  Recorded crime (Number) 
			  Method of killing  2005-06  2006-07  2007-08  2008-09 
			 Sharp instrument(4) 8 12 20 18 
			 Shooting(5) 2 6 6 3 
			 (1) As at 24 November 2009; figures are subject to revision as cases are dealt with by the police and by the courts, or as further information becomes available. (2) The London region consists of the City of London and the metropolitan police forces. (3) Offences are shown according to the year in which police initially recorded the offence as homicide. This is not necessarily the year in which the incident took place or the year in which any court decision was made. (4) Includes knives and other sharp instruments. (5) Including shooting by crossbow. Excludes homicides where firearms used as a blunt instrument.

Departmental Billing

David Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what information her Department holds on the time taken by contractors employed by it to pay the invoices of their sub-contractors under prompt payment arrangements; and if she will make a statement.

Nick Herbert: The Home Department does not hold this information centrally and to obtain it would incur disproportionate cost.

Departmental Consultants

John Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the budget for consultants to her Department is for 2010-11.

Nick Herbert: Under the new coalition Government, the Department has set targets to reduce overall expenditure on consultants by some 50% in the current financial year, supported by stricter rules of engagement and approvals, with Secretary of State approval required for any expenditure above £20,000. These measures are designed to reduce expenditure to £84 million in the current financial year.

Departmental ICT

Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much  (a) her Department and  (b) its agencies and non-departmental public bodies spent on information and communication technology in each year since 1997.

Nick Herbert: The following table sets out the available data for information and communication technology within the Home Office and UK Border Agency, Identity and Passport Service and Criminal Records Bureau.
	Figures for the Home Office Core and UK Border Agency are provided from 2005-06 onwards, and are drawn from the Department's resource accounts. These include identifiable ICT costs, including PFI costs, but not IT-related staff and capital costs as it is not possible to break down expenditure in those areas without incurring disproportionate cost.
	General and subsidiary ledgers produced for the purpose of preparing certified financial statements are not retained after a period of six years, in line with National Audit Office requirements. The Department does not, therefore, hold the requested information for financial years before 2004-05.
	Information on expenditure by the Identity and Passport Service is provided for each financial year since 1999, drawn from the agency's annual accounts.
	Figures for the Criminal Records Bureau are provided for each financial year since 2000, drawn from internal records.
	
		
			  ICT expenditure 
			  £ 
			   Home Office( 1)  CRB  IPS 
			 2009-10 n/a 1,873,416 21,679,000 
			 2008-09 217,155,000 1,541,360 20,559,000 
			 2007-08 171,472,000 1,435,361 13,716,000 
			 2006-07 193,484,000 1,305,567 11,941,000 
			 2005-06 173,491,000 1,327,939 7,410,000 
			 2004-05 (2)- 1,115,874 6,691,000 
			 2003-04 n/a 1,140,883 3,372,000 
			 2002-03 n/a 985,088 2,966,000 
			 2001-02 n/a 610,015 2,744,000 
			 2000-01 n/a 128,249 1,905,000 
			 1999-2000 n/a n/a 1,361,000 
			 n/a = Not available (1) Media and IT costs for UKBA are included in the Home Office figures. The publications also show the grant payments made to the non-departmental public bodies but are not included in the media and IT costs. (2) 2004-05 figures are not available as the accounts were disclaimed by the National Audit Office and any reported expenditure would be unreliable.

Departmental Lost Property

Pete Wishart: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what property has been recorded as  (a) lost and  (b) stolen from the Department in the last 12 months; and what estimate has been made of the cost of the replacement of that property.

Nick Herbert: There is no centralised reporting mechanism for recording of reported thefts in the Home Department. To gather the information required would incur disproportionate costs.

Departmental Official Cars

William Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which Ministers in her Department have used an allocated Ministerial car to travel between her Department and the House of Commons on each day since 21 May 2010.

Nick Herbert: I refer the hon. Member to the answer provided to the hon. Member for West Bromwich East (Mr Watson) on 28 June 2010,  Official Report, column 434W.
	All travel is undertaken in accordance with the Ministerial Code.

Departmental Official Hospitality

Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much  (a) her Department and  (b) its agencies and non-departmental public bodies spent on hospitality in each year since 1997.

Nick Herbert: Expenditure incurred by the Department, UK Border Agency and Identity and Passport Service is set out in the table.
	
		
			  £000 
			   Home Office and UKBA  Identity and Passport Service 
			 2009-10 51 7 
			 2008-09 50 7 
			 2007-08 58 5 
			 2006-07 93 13 
			 2005-06 324 6 
		
	
	Home Office expenditure on official hospitality and entertainment conforms to departmental guidance on financial procedures and propriety, which complies with the principles of Managing Public Money and the Treasury handbook on Regularity and Propriety. Hospitality is defined as the provision of food, drink and entertainment of non-civil servants where it is beneficial to the interests of the Department.
	General and subsidiary ledgers produced for the purpose of preparing certified financial statements are not retained after a period of six years, in line with National Audit Office requirements. The Department does not hold the requested information for financial years before 2004-05. The Department's 2004-05 Resource Accounts were disclaimed and reported expenditure for that year is unreliable.
	Expenditure incurred by the Criminal Records Bureau and non-departmental public bodies could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Departmental Official Hospitality

Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much her Department spent on hospitality for events hosted by each Minister in her Department in  (a) May and  (b) June 2010.

Nick Herbert: £2,494.81 was spent on hospitality for an event hosted by the Home Secretary and her ministerial team with approximately 100 key Home Office partners in May of this year. The event provided Ministers with the opportunity to establish relationships and share early priorities. The hospitality cost was kept to a minimum by managing the event in-house. No other events were hosted by Home Office Ministers in either May or June.

Departmental Operating Costs

Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps she has taken to reduce the running costs of her Department since her appointment.

Nick Herbert: The Home Office is committed to reducing its costs and is currently considering how future savings will be achieved as part of the Government's spending review which will report in October. This will build on the £367 million savings that the Department has already identified as its share of the £6 billion cross-government cuts announced by the Coalition Government in May.

Departmental Pay

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much was paid in remuneration in total to civil servants in her Department in 2009-10.

Nick Herbert: The Home Office accounts show that the costs for all permanently employed staff within the Home Office and its agencies for 2009-10 are as follows:
	
		
			  (£) 
			   Core Home Office  Core HO + Agencies 
			 Wages and salaries 102,729,000 941,808,000 
			 Social security costs 10,284,000 66,797,000 
			 Other pension costs 23,296,000 159,724,000 
			 Less recoveries in respect of outward secondments (666,000) (2,197,000) 
			 Total net costs 135,643,000 1,166,132,000

Departmental Regulation

David Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which of her Department's regulations are under review; and if she will make a statement.

Nick Herbert: In the Budget the Government announced plans for reducing regulatory burdens, including the introduction of a one-in-one out system for new regulations and a fundamental review of all regulation inherited from the previous Government scheduled for introduction over the coming year. These regulations will not be implemented until they have been reviewed and re-agreed by the Reducing Regulation Cabinet Committee.
	The Your Freedom website launched by the Deputy Prime Minister on 1 July 2010, will also give members of the public the opportunity to suggest existing regulations for removal:
	http://yourfreedom.hmg.gov.uk/

Departmental Stationery

Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much  (a) her Department and  (b) its agencies and non-departmental public bodies spent on stationery in each year since 1997.

Nick Herbert: Due to a switch over to the Oracle ERP system in 2004 and changes to the Home Department's accounting systems, details of spend on stationery for the Home Department and UKBA prior to 2004 are not available. To obtain the information would incur disproportionate cost.
	However we do hold data for the Home Department and United Kingdom Border Agency spend on stationery in each year since 2004 which is as follows:
	
		
			  Table 1: Stationery spend Home Department and UKBA 
			   £000 
			 2004-05 2,286,400 
			 2005-06 2,773,000 
			 2006-07 4,490,700 
			 2007-08 4,214,700 
			 2008-09 3,250,400 
			 2009-10 2,132,200 
		
	
	The Home Department's executive agency and executive NDPBs spend on stationery in each year since 1997 or their vesting date if later is:
	
		
			  Table 2: Stationery spend-agency/NDPB 
			  CRB IPS IPCC ISA NPIA OISC SIA SOCA 
			 1997-98 - 351,900 - - -
			 1998-99 - 438,600 - - -
			 1999-2000 - 705,200 - - -
			 2000-01 15,400 469,000 - - -
			 2001-02 61,200 1,258,100 - - - 31,000   
			 2002-03 79,400 790,000 - - - 14,100   
			 2003-04 72,000 622,000 - - - 10,200 33,600  
			 2004-05 47,700 522,400 179,000 - - 13,400 47,100  
			 2005-06 40,200 587,600 171,000 - - 11,500 64,200  
			 2006-07 55,000 738,400 232,000 - - 8,500 77,300 1,085,900 
			 2007-08 17,100 666,800 179,000 - 558,000 10,200 68,000 686,300 
			 2008-09 65,600 490,500 137,000 72,500 537,000 10,800 88,200 723,600 
			 2009-10 35,400 270,600 161,000 76,000 786.000 7,900 115,600 649,300

Departmental Temporary Employment

John Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many temporary employees are working in  (a) her Department and  (b) other bodies financed from its budget.

Nick Herbert: There were 690 temporary employees working in the Home Office Headquarters and its three Executive Agencies (UKBA, IPS, and CRB) as at 31 March 2010 out of 26,800 civil servants.
	210 were in the Home Office headquarters, 370 in UKBA, 100 in IPS and 10 in CRB.

Departmental Training

Pete Wishart: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what training has been provided for Ministers in her Department since the formation of the present administration; and at what cost.

Nick Herbert: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Member for Horsham (Mr Maude) to the hon. Member for West Bromwich East (Mr Watson) on 3 June 2010,  Official Report, column 52W. The National School of Government is funded through its Core Learning Programme to deliver induction and other training to Ministers, and there is no separate charge to Departments.
	Induction training at the National School of Government was undertaken by the following Home Office Ministers:
	James Brokenshire
	Lynne Featherstone
	Nick Herbert
	Damian Green
	No additional training has been provided for Home Office Ministers since the formation of the present Administration.

Departmental Travel

Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much her  (a) Department and  (b) its agencies and non-departmental public bodies has spent on travel for employees in each year since 1997.

Nick Herbert: Due to changes in the computer systems used to record travel costs and/or the way travel costs have historically been recorded we are unable to provide complete data. The Home Office HQ and UK Border Agency moved to the current system in October 2008. Other agencies and NDPBs did not have systems in place for the whole period and/or do not separate out travel costs from other expense types. It would have represented a disproportionate cost to obtain data from all NDPBs, but we have included in our response data from the Executive agencies. The table provides all available data.
	
		
			   HO/UKBA spend  CRB  IPS  NPIA  SOCA  SIA  ISA  IPCC (rail only) 
			 1997-98 (1)- - 211,061 - - - - - 
			 1998-99 (1)- - 262,315 - - - - - 
			 1999-2000 (1)- - 151,723 - - - - - 
			 2000-01 (1)- 112,680 698,692 - - - - - 
			 2001-02 (1)- 159,956 853,792 - - - - - 
			 2002-03 (1)- 379,746 913,029 - - - - - 
			 2003-04 (1)- 337,500 760,510 - - (1)- - - 
			 2004-05 (1)- 468,219 1,018,540 - - (1)- - 175,031 
			 2005-06 (1)- 377,428 1,382,681 - - 279,180 - 251,071 
			 2006-07 (1)- 342,215 2,075,806 - 9,605,345 358,512 - 210,481 
			 2007-08 (1)- 279,846 2,573,460 2,669,000 9,065,251 384,544 - 198,476 
			 2008-09 (2)7,579,571 371,289 2,976,401 3,097,000 9,993,716 499,478 91,359 249,069 
			 2009-10 10,920,147 419,984 2,921,661 3,721,000 8,871,119 559,701 150,541 205,660 
			 (1) Historical data unavailable. (2) From October 2008 only.  Key: NDPB-Non-departmental public body HO-Home Office UKBA-United Kingdom Border Agency CRB-Criminal Records Bureau IPS-Identity and Passport Service NPIA-National Policing Improvement Agency OISC-Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner SOCA-Serious Organised Crime Agency SIA-Security Industry Authority ISA-Independent Safeguarding Authority IPCC-Independent Police Complaints Commission PCoE-(HO) Procurement Centre of Excellence

Departmental Travel

Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which  (a) Ministers and  (b) officials in her Department have been driven by the Government Car Service since the Government took office; and how much each of these persons has received in expenses for use of taxis, buses and underground trains in that period.

Nick Herbert: All Home Office Ministers apart from the Home Secretary have been driven by the Government Car Service. All Government Car Service contracts were terminated in May but the contract stipulates that all Departments are obliged to serve a 90-day termination period, which means all contracts will expire in August.
	As was the case under previous Governments, all civil servants and special advisers may use an official car or taxi in properly defined circumstances.
	Thus far, no Home Office Minister has claimed any expenses relating to the use of taxis, underground or buses.
	The Government publishes on a quarterly basis, the expenses incurred by the most senior officials which includes use of the Government car service and other travel expenses.

Entry Clearances: Skilled Workers

James Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many work permits were issued for  (a) doctors and  (b) nurses and auxiliary nurses from each African country under the (i) work permits system and (ii) points-based immigration system in each of the last five years.

Damian Green: The numbers of work permits issued for each of the requested categories are set out in the following table.
	
		
			  Work permits approved (Africa) by Doctor/nurse 1 January 2005 - 20 July 2010 
			  Nationality  Occupation  2005  2006  2007  2008  2009  2010  Total 
			 Algeria Doctor 0 (1)- 0 0 0 0 (1)- 
			  Nurse (1)- 0 0 0 0 0 (1)- 
			  Total (1)- (1)- 0 0 0 0 (1)- 
			 Botswana Doctor 0 5 (1)- (1)- 0 0 5 
			  Nurse 140 70 35 40 5 (1)- 295 
			  Total 140 75 35 40 5 (1)- 300 
			 Burundi Nurse (1)- (1)- (1)- 0 0 0 5 
			  Total (1)- (1)- (1)- 0 0 0 5 
			 Cameroon Doctor 5 5 (1)- (1)- 0 0 15 
			  Nurse 40 30 20 35 (1)- (1)- 130 
			  Total 45 35 20 40 (1)- (1)- 145 
			 Congo Doctor 0 (1)- 0 (1)- 0 0 (1)- 
			  Nurse 5 (1)- (1)- (1)- 0 0 10 
			  Total 5 (1)- (1)- 5 0 0 10 
			 Egypt Doctor 85 85 40 75 5 0 285 
			  Nurse (1)- 0 0 (1)- 0 0 5 
			  Total 85 85 40 75 5 0 290 
			 Ethiopia Doctor 0 (1)- (1)- 0 0 0 (1)- 
			  Nurse (1)- (1)- 0 0 0 0 5 
			  Total (1)- (1)- (1)- 0 0 0 5 
			 Gambia Nurse 35 25 10 10 (1)- (1)- 80 
			  Total 35 25 10 10 (1)- (1)- 80 
			 Ghana Doctor 20 20 5 15 0 0 60 
			  Nurse 650 290 200 220 10 10 1,375 
			  Total 670 310 210 230 10 10 1,435 
			 Guinea Nurse (1)- (1)- 0 0 0 0 (1)- 
			  Total (1)- (1)- 0 0 0 0 (1)- 
			 Ivory Coast Nurse (1)- 0 0 0 0 0 (1)- 
			  Total (1)- 0 0 0 0 0 (1)- 
			 Kenya Doctor 10 20 5 5 0 0 35 
			  Nurse 255 145 95 115 5 (1)- 615 
			  Total 265 165 95 115 5 (1)- 650 
			 Lesotho Doctor 0 (1)- 5 (1)- 0 0 5 
			  Nurse 80 50 25 40 (1)- 0 190 
			  Total 80 50 25 40 (1)- 0 200 
			 Liberia Doctor (1)- (1)- 0 0 0 0 5 
			  Nurse (1)- 0 0 (1)- 0 0 5 
			  Total (1)- (1)- 0 (1)- 0 0 5 
			 Libya Doctor 50 30 10 10 0 0 100 
			  Nurse (1)- 0 0 0 0 0 (1)- 
			  Total 55 30 10 10 0 0 100 
			 Malawi Doctor (1)- 5 (1)- (1)- 0 0 10 
			  Nurse 125 70 40 50 (1)- (1)- 285 
			  Total 125 75 40 50 (1)- (1)- 295 
			 Mauritius Doctor 5 10 0 (1)- 0 0 20 
			  Nurse 350 175 145 150 10 (1)- 830 
			  Total 350 190 145 155 10 (1)- 850 
			 Morocco Nurse 0 (1)- 0 0 0 0 (1)- 
			  Total 0 (1)- 0 0 0 0 (1)- 
			 Mozambique Nurse 0 0 0 t 0 0 (1)- 
			  Total 0 0 0 t 0 0 (1)- 
			 Namibia Doctor 0 (1)- 0 0 0 0 (1)- 
			  Nurse 25 15 10 15 t 0 70 
			  Total 25 15 10 15 t 0 75 
			 Niger Nurse 0 (1)- 0 0  0 (1)- 
			  Total 0 (1)- 0 0 0 0 (1)- 
			 Nigeria Doctor 100 125 25 35 (1)- 0 285 
			  Nurse 1,160 600 390 490 30 5 2,685 
			  Total 1,260 730 415 525 30 5 2,970 
			 Rwanda Doctor (1)- 0 0 0 0 0 (1)- 
			  Nurse (1)- (1)- (1)- (1)- 0 0 5 
			  Total (1)- (1)- (1)- (1)- 0 0 5 
			 Seychelles Nurse 25 15 10 5 0 0 50 
			  Total 25 15 10 5 0 0 50 
			 Sierra Leone Doctor (1)- 5 0 0 0 0 5 
			  Nurse 70 45 20 15 5 0 155 
			  Total 75 50 20 15 5 0 160 
			 Somalia Doctor (1)- (1)- 0 0 0 0 (1)- 
			  Nurse 5 5 (1)- (1)- 0 0 10 
			  Total 5 5 (1)- (1)- 0 0 15 
			 South africa Doctor 300 265 175 170 5 (1)- 915 
			  Nurse 2,010 1,135 545 410 25 5 4,135 
			  Total 2,310 1,400 720 580 30 10 5,050 
			 Sudan Doctor 35 30 20 30 (1)- 0 115 
			  Nurse (1)- 0 0 0 (1)- 0 (1)- 
			  Total 35 30 20 30 (1)- 0 115 
			 Swaziland Nurse 100 70 25 20 (1)- 0 215 
			  Total 100 70 25 20 (1)- 0 215 
			 Tanzania Doctor (1)- 10 (1)- (1)- 0 0 15 
			  Nurse 45 25 20 10 (1)- 0 100 
			  Total 45 35 20 15 (1)- 0 115 
			 Togo Nurse (1)- 0 (1)- (1)- 0 0 5 
			  Total (1)- 0 (1)- (1)- 0 0 5 
			 Tunisia Nurse (1)- 0 0 0 (1)- 0 5 
			  Total (1)- 0 0 0 (1)- 0 5 
			 Uganda Doctor 5 5 (1)- (1)- 0 0 15 
			  Nurse 70 30 30 30 (1)- 0 165 
			  Total 80 35 30 35 (1)- 0 180 
			 Zaire Doctor (1)- 0 0 0 0 0 (1)- 
			  Nurse 0 0 0 (1)- 0 0 (1)- 
			  Total (1)- 0 0 (1)- 0 0 (1)- 
			 Zambia Doctor 5 5 (1)- 0 0 0 10 
			  Nurse 350 195 135 130 10 (1)- 820 
			  Total 355 200 135 130 10 (1)- 835 
			 Zimbabwe Doctor 25 20 10 10 (1)- 0 60 
			  Nurse 2,330 1,610 1,095 1,175 60 10 6,280 
			  Total 2,355 1,625 1,105 1,185 60 10 6,340 
			 Total  8,540 5,265 3,155 3,330 180 40 20,510 
			 (1) Indicates 1 or 2  Notes: 1. The data in this publication are based on management information, are provisional and may be subject to change. The data are not National Statistics. 2. Figures are rounded to nearest 5 3. Because of rounding, figures may not add up to totals shown. 4. Doctor Occupations include: Medical Practitioner, Hospital Consultant, Doctor, GP Registrar, Specialist Registrar 5. Nurse Occupations include: Nurse, Midwife

EU Justice And Home Affairs

Chris Heaton-Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what EU agreements made under Justice and Home Affairs provisions require further UK consent to be fully incorporated into the First Pillar following ratification of the Treaty of Lisbon; and how many have been so incorporated to date.

James Brokenshire: The Lisbon Treaty contains transitional provisions for measures adopted under the police and judicial co-operation title of the old Treaty on European Union. These provide for a transitional period of five years to apply in relation to those measures. During this period the European Court of Justice continues to have limited jurisdiction and the European Commission is precluded from bringing infraction proceedings. At the end of the five-year period these measures will become subject to the full jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice and the full enforcement powers of the European Commission. While this requires no further consent from the UK, the Lisbon Treaty includes a protocol that allows us to opt out of all these measures en bloc at any time before 1 June 2014.

EU Justice And Home Affairs

Chris Heaton-Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent discussions she has had at EU level on the mechanisms for incorporating into the First Pillar those agreements made under Justice and Home Affairs provisions that require further UK consent.

James Brokenshire: The Secretary of State for the Home Department and junior Ministers engage regularly with EU counterparts both at EU level meetings such as the Justice and Home Affairs Council and through bilateral discussions with counterparts in the European Commission and EU member states. The Lisbon treaty contains provisions preserving measures adopted under the police and judicial co-operation title of the old treaty on European Union (i.e. before 1 December 2009) for a transitional period of five years, during which the European Court of Justice continues to have only limited jurisdiction and the European Commission is precluded from bringing infraction proceedings. At the end of this period these measures will become subject to the full jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice and the full enforcement powers of the European Commission. While this requires no further consent from the UK, the treaty includes a protocol that allows us to opt out of all of these measures en bloc at any time before 1 June 2014.

Firearms: Greater London

Chuka Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many non-fatal incidents involving 
	(1)  13 to 19-year-olds and guns there were in  (a) Streatham constituency,  (b) the London Borough of Lambeth,  (c) London and  (d) England in (i) each year from 2005 to 2009 and (ii) 2010 on the latest date for which figures are available;
	(2)  guns there were in  (a) Streatham constituency,  (b) the London Borough of Lambeth,  (c) London and  (d) England in (i) each year from 2005 to 2009 and (ii) 2010 on the latest date for which figures are available.

James Brokenshire: Available data relate to offences recorded in London and England between 2005-06 and 2008-09, and are from the Home Office's additional data collection on selected offences in which firearms (excluding air weapons) were reported to have been used. They are shown in the following tables. Data for 2009-10 are scheduled to be published in January 2011. Firearms are taken to be involved in a crime if they are fired, used as a blunt instrument or used as a threat. It is not possible to provide information below police force level.
	
		
			  Table 1: Non-fatal offences recorded by the police in which firearms (excluding air weapons) were reported to have been used( 1) , England, 2005-06 to 2008-09 
			  Recorded crime 
			   13 to 19-year-olds  Total 
			 2005-06 1,934 10,807 
			 2006-07 1,753 9,374 
			 2007-08 1,753 9,603 
			 2008-09 1,258 8,030 
			 (1) Firearms are taken to be involved in an offence if they are fired, used as a blunt instrument against a person, or used as a threat 
		
	
	
		
			  Table 2: Non-fatal offences recorded by the police in which firearms (excluding air weapons) were reported to have been used( 1) , London region( 2) , 2005-06 to 2008-09 
			  Recorded crime 
			   13 to 19-year-olds  Total 
			 2005-06 784 3,862 
			 2006-07 685 3,303 
			 2007-08 633 3,376 
			 2008-09 514 3,070 
			 (1) Firearms are taken to be involved in an offence if they are fired, used as a blunt instrument against a person, or used as a threat. (2 )The London region consists of the City of London and the Metropolitan police forces.

Football: Security

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if she will request a report from the South African authorities on their arrangements for ensuring public order in relation to football fans attending the recent FIFA World Cup.

James Brokenshire: holding answer 19 July 2010
	We have no plans to request such a report. There was close and extensive liaison between the South African authorities and UK governmental and policing football experts before and during the tournament and very close co-operation in venue cities between host and English police delegations. Throughout the World Cup, the host authorities provided daily reports on their safety and security strategy and events in South Africa.

Hunting Act 2004

Adrian Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what training is provided for police officers and the Crown Prosecution Service on enforcing the provisions of the Hunting Act 2004; and if she will increase the levels of provision of such training.

James Brokenshire: holding answer 12 July 2010
	Training provided to police forces on enforcing the provisions of the Hunting Act is a matter for individual chief officers. The Crown Prosecution Service provides comprehensive Legal Guidance on the Hunting Act 2004 for prosecutors. The Government have no plans to increase the levels of provision of such training.

Identity Cards

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Birkenhead of 9 June 2010,  Official Report, column 157W, for what reason refunds for identity cards will not be offered.

Damian Green: The coalition Government are committed to scrapping the identity card scheme and the national identity register. We aim to achieve that at the least possible cost to the taxpayer. A very small percentage of the population voluntarily chose to buy a card and were warned that the scheme may be scrapped. We do not see why the taxpayer should pick up the bill to provide refunds.

Independent Safeguarding Authority: Children

Jenny Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people have been barred from working with children by the Independent Safeguarding Authority.

Lynne Featherstone: holding answer 26 July 2010
	From 12 October 2009 to 22 July 2010, the Independent Safeguarding Authority has placed 11,361 people on the children's barred list. A further 15,649 people have been transferred to the children's list who were listed under previous schemes: the Protection of Children Act list and List 99. Some individuals were also transferred to the ISA children's barred list from the Protection of Vulnerable Adults List because of the risk they demonstrated to children.

Independent Safeguarding Authority: Darlington

Jenny Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans she has for the future of the Independent Safeguarding Authority offices in Darlington.

Lynne Featherstone: holding answer 26 July 2010
	We have already announced our decision to review the criminal records and vetting and barring regime and scale it back to a common sense level. The Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) was established to support the operation of the vetting and barring scheme and the outcomes of that review will have an impact on its role.
	It would, however, not be appropriate to pre-empt the outcomes of the review.

Independent Safeguarding Authority: Darlington

Jenny Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what tasks are undertaken at the Independent Safeguarding Authority's offices in Darlington.

Lynne Featherstone: holding answer 26 July 2010
	The Independent Safeguarding Authority's role is to make fair and consistent barring decisions on those people who may pose a risk of harm to children and/or vulnerable adults through paid or unpaid work. The ISA has four statutory functions:
	to maintain a list of those who are barred from engaging in regulated activity with children (the "children's barred list");
	to maintain a list of those barred from engaging in regulated activity with vulnerable adults (the "adults' barred list");
	to reach decisions about whether a person should be included in one or both barred lists; and
	to reach decisions as to whether to remove a person from a barred list.

Independent Safeguarding Authority: Employment

Jenny Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people are employed by the Independent Safeguarding Authority in Darlington.

Lynne Featherstone: holding answer 26 July 2010
	At the Independent Safeguarding Authority's offices in Darlington, there are currently 276 employees. This figure includes full-time permanent staff, fixed term staff and casual staff.

Khat

Chuka Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent research her Department has  (a) commissioned and  (b) evaluated on the effects of the use of the substance khat.

James Brokenshire: The Department commissioned two studies in 2009 to explore the social harms associated with khat use, though the perceived health effects of khat are also briefly reported on in each of the studies. The first of these is a mainly qualitative study undertaken among the UK's Somali, Yemeni and Ethiopian communities exploring perceptions of the social harms associated with khat use and perceptions of the appropriate role of Government intervention (the study also included a short survey of drug action teams to gauge the availability of treatment service provision for khat users). The second is a review of the national and international literature examining the evidence on the social harms associated with khat and the impact of legislation in countries which have legislated against khat use and supply.
	In addition, the British crime survey report "Drug Misuse Declared 2009/10", published on 22 July 2010, for the first time includes estimates of the prevalence of khat use in the general population. Preliminary findings (based on six months data) show that 0.2% of adults reported using khat in the last year.
	This report is available on the Home Office RDS website at:
	http://rds.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs10/hosb1310.pdf
	 Source:
	"Drug Misuse Declared: Findings from the 2009/10 British Crime Survey (England and Wales)".

Knives: Greater London

Chuka Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many non-fatal incidents involving 
	(1)  13 to 19-year-olds and knives there were in  (a) Streatham constituency,  (b) the London Borough of Lambeth,  (c) London and  (d) England in (i) each year from 2005 to 2009 and (ii) 2010 on the latest date for which figures are available;
	(2)  knives there were in  (a) Streatham constituency,  (b) the London Borough of Lambeth,  (c) London and  (d) England in (i) each year from 2005 to 2009 and (ii) 2010 on the latest date for which figures are available.

James Brokenshire: Available data relate to offences recorded in London and England between 2007-08 and 2009-10, and are from the Home Office's additional data collection on selected offences involving knives and sharp instruments (hereafter referred to as 'knife offences'). Since only aggregate knife offences data are collected from forces, it is not possible to provide information broken down by age of victim or suspect, or below police force level.
	The collection was introduced in April 2007 and knives are taken to be involved in an incident if they are used to stab or cut, or in a threat. A sharp instrument is any object that pierces the skin (or, in the case of a threat, is capable of piercing the skin) and includes bottles and glass (when broken prior to the offence) and syringes.
	Data collected in 2007-08 covered the offences of attempted murder, grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent, GBH without intent and robbery. The following offence categories were added to the collection in 2008-09: threats to kill, actual bodily harm (ABH), sexual assault and rape.
	The following table shows data for the years 2007-08, 2008-09 and 2009-10. It should be noted that data for 2007-08 are not directly comparable to those for later years. This is due to the change in offences covered by the collection, and also due to changes in: (i) the clarification rules for recording GBH with intent; and (ii) the definition of GBH without intent.
	
		
			  Knife and sharp instrument offences recorded by the police for selected offences, 2007-08 to 2009-10( 1) , recorded crime 
			  Method of killing  2007-08( 2)  2008-09  2009-10 
			 England 20,985 34,806 32,570 
			 London Region(3) 7,428 12,259 12,570 
			 (1 )Police recorded knife and sharp instrument offences data are submitted via an additional special collection. Other offences exist that are not shown in this table that may include the use of a knife or sharp instrument. In this table 'offences involving a knife' refers to the use of a knife or sharp instrument. Total of selected serious offences only include the five offence types shown in this table. (2 )Due to the inclusion of additional offence groups, a change in the clarification rules for recording GBH with intent, and a change in the definition of GBH without intent it is not possible to compare between 2007-08 and later years. (3 )The London region consists of the City of London and the Metropolitan police forces.

Members: Correspondence

David Winnick: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when she plans to reply to the letter from the hon. Member for Walsall North of 14 June 2010 on Abu Hamza, ref. M7887/10.

Nick Herbert: holding answer 22 July 2010
	A reply was sent to the hon. Member on 22 July 2010.

Members: Correspondence

Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when she plans to reply to the letter from the hon. Member for Rutherglen and Hamilton West on his constituent Ms Linda Patlock.

Damian Green: I wrote to the hon. Member on 26 July 2010.

Members: Correspondence

John Baron: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the UK Border Agency plans to respond to the letter of 23 June from the hon. Member for Basildon and Billericay regarding Mr B. Vadgama.

Damian Green: The UK Border Agency replied to my hon. Friend's letter of 23 June 2010 regarding Mr B Vadgama on 21 July 2010.

Members: Correspondence

Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when she expects to reply to the letter dated 11 June 2010 from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton, with regard to Ms Aisha Akhtar.

Damian Green: I replied to the right hon. Member on 22 July 2010.

Members: Correspondence

Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when she expects to reply to the letter dated 2 June 2010 from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton, with regard to Mr Kasaif Ikbal.

Damian Green: The letter of 2 June crossed in the post with the reply of 2 June to the earlier letter of 14 May 2010. No further reply was needed.

Members: Correspondence

Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when she expects to reply to the letter dated 20 May 2010 from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton, with regard to Mr A. Khan.

Damian Green: I refer the right hon. Member to the reply given on 26 July 2010,  Official Report, column 651W.

Multiple Temporary Event Notices

Peter Bottomley: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if she will bring forward proposals to enable multiple temporary event notices to be submitted on a single application.

James Brokenshire: The Home Office will shortly lead a public consultation on the overhaul of the Licensing Act and other alcohol measures set out in the coalition agreement. This will include inviting views on deregulation and temporary events notices.

National Referral Mechanism

Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the answer of 5 July 2010,  Official Report, column 77W, for what reasons no decision was recorded in the cases of 122 individuals who were referred to the National Referral Mechanism between 1 April 2009 and 31 March 2010; and if she will make a statement.

Nick Herbert: "No decision recorded" refers mostly to cases which are still under consideration. It can also refer to cases where decisions have been made but have not yet been recorded in the statistics.
	National Referral Mechanism statistics are updated quarterly. In future statistical updates, cases which are still under consideration will be shown as such.

Police Community Support Officers: Powers

Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if she will issue guidance to police forces on the powers of police community support officers to issue fixed penalty notices; and if she will make a statement.

Nick Herbert: Police community support officers all have a set of 20 standard powers. They may be granted additional powers at the discretion of the chief officer of their force. There are three standard powers to issue fixed penalty notices (FPN) while five are discretionary. Some FPNs are issued on behalf of local authorities and these are produced in a number of different formats. Hence, training differs between forces, depending on local circumstances. There are no plans by the Home Office to issue guidance to police forces on these powers. The issue of guidance on the use of fixed penalty notices is an operational matter.

Police: Comprehensive Spending Review

William Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations she has received from  (a) the Audit Commission and  (b) HM Inspector of Constabulary on the number of frontline police officers for the purpose of informing her Department's submission to the Chancellor of the Exchequer in respect of the Comprehensive Spending Review.

Nick Herbert: None. However, HMIC and the Audit Commission published a joint report on 20 July called "Sustaining Value for Money in the Police Service."

Police: Criminal Proceedings

Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  how many police officers were  (a) disciplined,  (b) subject to criminal charges,  (c) given a custodial sentence and  (d) dismissed for offences under the provisions of the Official Secrets Act 1989 in each of the last 10 years;
	(2)  how many police officers were  (a) subject to criminal charges of,  (b) given a custodial sentence following conviction for and  (c) dismissed following conviction for perjury in each of the last 10 years.

Nick Herbert: The Home Office does not hold a central record of the information requested. This is a matter for the Chief Officer of each force.

Police: Domestic Violence

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps she is taking to ensure that police forces give appropriate priority to responding to incidents of domestic violence.

James Brokenshire: Domestic violence is unacceptable. The Government are developing a strategy to tackle violence against women and girls and this will include domestic violence and within that, the police response.
	Serial perpetrators are one of a number of domestic violence issues we are exploring. We will consider the New York policing model, as well as other models and reviews, within these discussions.
	A Home Office pilot project for victims of domestic violence with no recourse to public funds commenced in November 2009 and was scheduled to run to the end of August 2010. On 16 July, the Home Secretary announced an extension to the pilot until the end of March 2011 and a commitment to find a long-term funding solution to the issue.
	The pilot is monitored on a monthly basis and a full evaluation will take place following completion of the pilot.

Police: Manpower

Roberta Blackman-Woods: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  what estimate she has made of the number of police officers to be recruited in  (a) England and Wales and  (b) Durham constituency consequent on the financial savings arising from the abolition of voluntary identity cards;
	(2)  what proportion of the financial savings attributable to the abolition of voluntary identity cards she plans to allocate to recruitment of front-line police officers in  (a) England and Wales and  (b) Durham constabulary.

Nick Herbert: No estimate has been made of the number of police officers to be recruited by any force in England and Wales. Recruitment remains a matter for each Chief Constable.
	There are no net savings to the Exchequer in the current financial year from the decision to cancel ID Cards. The allocation of savings made from the abolition of ID cards beyond the current financial year is a matter for the spending review.

Police: North Yorkshire

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many  (a) community support officers and  (b) uniformed police officers have been recruited in (i) North Yorkshire and (ii) England in each of the last three years.

Nick Herbert: The available data are provided in the table. Figures exclude officers on transfers from other forces and those rejoining.
	
		
			  Number of police officers and police community support officers (FTE( 1) ) recruited in North Yorkshire and England( 2) , 2007-08 to 2009-10( 3, 4) 
			   2007-08  2008-09  2009-10 
			   Officers  CSO  Officers  CSO  Officers  CSO 
			 North Yorkshire 0 29 0 10 96 28 
			 England 5,640 4,126 7,657 3,114 5,28 2,324 
			 (1) Full-time equivalent figures that have been rounded to the nearest whole number. (2) Figures are for the 39 forces of England. (3) Financial year runs from 1 April to 31 March inclusive. (4) Recruits include those officers joining as 'Standard Direct Recruits' and those who were 'previously Special Constables'. This excludes officers on transfers from other forces and those rejoining.

Police: Overtime

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much overtime was undertaken in each police force in England and Wales in the latest period for which figures are available; and what the cost was to each force.

Nick Herbert: Information about time spent on police overtime is not collected by the Home Office. In respect of the cost of overtime I would refer the right hon. Member to the reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Brigg and Goole (Andrew Percy) on 3 June 2010,  Official Report, column 80-81W.

Police: Pay

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the salary is of the  (a) chief constable and  (b) deputy chief constable of each police force in England and Wales.

Nick Herbert: The salaries of commissioners, deputy commissioners, chief constables, deputy chief constables and their equivalents are:
	
		
			  Forces  As at 1 September 2009  commissioner salary (£)  As at 1 September 2009  deputy/assistant commissioner salary (£) 
			 Metropolitan (MPS) 253,620 (1)209,382 
			 City of London 156,900 (2)129,444 
			 (1) Deputy (2 )Assistant 
		
	
	
		
			  Forces  As at 1 September 2009  chief constable salary (£)  As at 1 September 2009  deputy chief constable salary (£) 
			 West Midlands (1)176,943 (2)135,660 
			 Greater Manchester (4-) (4-) 
			 West Yorkshire 165,147 132,120 
			 Thames Valley 156,303 128,949 
			 Merseyside 153,351 126,519 
			 Northumbria (4-) (4-) 
			 Hampshire 150,399 124,083 
			 Kent 147,456 121,647 
			 Lancashire (4-) (4-) 
			 Devon and Cornwall (4-) (4-) 
			 South Yorkshire 144,510 119,217 
			 Essex (4-) (4-) 
			 Avon and Somerset (4-) (4-) 
			 Sussex (4-) (4-) 
			 South Wales (4-) (4-) 
			 Nottinghamshire 138,609 (3)114,348 
			 Hertfordshire 135,660 111,918 
			 West Mercia (4-) (4-) 
			 Cheshire (4-) (4-) 
			 Humberside (4-) (4-) 
			 Staffordshire (4-) (4-) 
			 Leicestershire (4-) (4-) 
			 Derbyshire (4-) (4-) 
			 Surrey 132,708 109,485 
			 Norfolk (4-) (4-) 
			 Cleveland 129,759 107,052 
			 Durham (4-) (4-) 
			 Cambridgeshire (4-) (4-) 
			 North Wales (4-) (4-) 
			 North Yorkshire (4-) (4-) 
			 Gwent (4-) (4-) 
			 Northamptonshire (4-) (4-) 
			 Suffolk (4-) (4-) 
			 Dorset (4-) (4-) 
			 Wiltshire (4-) (4-) 
			 Bedfordshire (4-) (4-) 
			 Gloucestershire 126,810 106,167 
			 Lincolnshire (4-) (4-) 
			 Cumbria (4-) (4-) 
			 Warwickshire (4-) (4-) 
			 Dyfed-Powys (4-) (4-) 
			 (1) MPS-Assistant commissioners.  (2) MPS-Deputy assistant commissioners  (3) The Home Secretary agreed in May, on the advice of the Senior Appointments Panel and HMIC, to a request from Nottinghamshire police authority that in the exceptional circumstances of that force a successful candidate for DCC could receive an additional allowance of £21,312.  (4) Indicates brace.

Police: Pay

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what payments other than salary payments were made to each  (a) chief constable and  (b) deputy chief constable in each police force in England and Wales in the latest period for which figures are available.

Nick Herbert: It is for police authorities to determine payments other than salary payments for individual chief constables and deputy chief constables, in accordance with the provisions in the Police Regulations 2003 and determinations made by the Home Secretary under the Regulations. Information about these payments is held by police authorities and is not currently collected by the Home Office.
	The Accounts and Audit Regulations 2003 (as amended by the Accounts and Audit (Amendment No. 2) (England) Regulations 2009) set out remuneration disclosure requirements which police authorities have to comply with.

Police: Powers

Dominic Raab: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many times police exercised powers under section 22 of the Counter-Terrorism Act 2008 to engage in post-charge questioning of terrorist suspects in  (a) 2008 and  (b) 2009; and how many times police have exercised such powers in 2010 to date.

Nick Herbert: The provisions on post-charge questioning in Section 22 of Counter-Terrorism Act 2008 have not been commenced. The police have, therefore, not exercised this power to date. As part of the Government's urgent review of pre-charge detention, the Government will be considering whether and if so how post-charge questioning might be used.

Police: Race Relations

Karen Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate she has made of the amount paid by each police authority to settle  (a) cases out of court and  (b) at the conclusion of tribunals where allegations of racism were (i) the main factor and (ii) combined with other factors in each of the last two years.

Nick Herbert: The Home Office does not keep data on these figures, and therefore is unable to provide these estimates.

Police: Scotland

Jo Swinson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether she has the power to authorise the deployment of additional firearms to police in Scotland.

Nick Herbert: The Home Secretary does not have the power to authorise the deployment of additional firearms to police in Scotland.

Police: Training

Paul Beresford: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what measures her Department has put in place to provide information and training for police forces about the availability and effect of the Foreign Travel Order.

Nick Herbert: holding answer 15 July 2010
	The Home Office will be publishing updated guidance on the Sex Offenders Act 2003, which includes Foreign Travel Orders, by the end of this year to reflect changes in law brought into effect by the Policing and Crime Act 2009. The Home Office published a circular online highlighting the changes and implementation dates. This can be accessed at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/about-us/home-office-circulars/circulars-2010/005-2010/
	These changes have also been communicated to all forces through the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) and featured in the ACPO Public Protection Conference in October 2009.
	The National Policing Improvement Agency, as part of their Public Protection Learning Programme training programme, provides information and training to Public Protection Unit staff on Foreign Travel Orders.

Rape

Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent assessment she has made of the prevalence of date rape; and if she will make a statement.

James Brokenshire: According to the British Crime Survey figures for 2007-08 (the most recent year for which data are available) 42% of serious sexual assaults (including rape) were committed by somebody known to the victim. 22% of serious sexual assaults were committed by a person described as a 'friend' or 'date'. The Government are committed to ensuring that all victims of rape are supported, feel able to report to the police and that the conviction rate is increased.

Risk Assessment

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if she will extend Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference arrangements to all areas.

James Brokenshire: The Government are developing a strategy to tackle violence against women and girls. This includes domestic violence and will consider MARACs.

Risk Assessment: Domestic Violence

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what funding her Department plans to make available to maintain each of the existing Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conferences and the Independent Domestic Violence Advisers in the next three years.

James Brokenshire: The Home Office is providing £3.5 million in 2010-11 to contribute to the funding of Independent Domestic Violence Advisers, Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conferences and some wider work to tackle violence against women.
	Funding for future years will be considered as part of the comprehensive spending review.

Stop And Search: Greater London

Chuka Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  how many stop-and-searches were carried out in  (a) Streatham constituency,  (b) the London borough of Lambeth,  (c) London and  (d) England in (i) each year from 2005 to 2009 and (ii) 2010 on the latest date for which figures are available;
	(2)  how many stop-and-searches were carried out on 13 to 19 year olds in  (a) Streatham constituency,  (b) the London borough of Lambeth,  (c) London and  (d) England in (i) each year from 2005 to 2009 and (ii) 2010 on the latest date for which figures are available.

Nick Herbert: Data on stop and search procedures carried out under various legislation in London and England from 2005-06 to 2008-09 (latest available) are provided in the table.
	Data on the number of 13 to 19 year olds searched as well as searches in Lambeth and Streatham constituency are not available as the information on stop and searches reported to the Home Office is broken down by police force area level only, and does not include the ages of persons stopped and searched.
	Data on searches in 2009-10 are scheduled to be published in spring 2011.
	
		
			  Number of stop and search procedures( 1)  conducted in Greater London( 2)  and England, 2005-06 to 2008-09 
			   Number of stop and search procedures conducted in: 
			  Financial year  England  Greater London 
			 2005-06 931,638 329,686 
			 2006-07 1,002,763 378,333 
			 2007-08 1,181,099 528,939 
			 2008-09 1,469,041 802,761 
			 (1) Includes stops and searches under: Section 1 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE) Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 Section 44 of the Terrorism Act 2000 (2) Includes the Metropolitan police and City of London police force areas

Telephone Tapping

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent steps her Department has taken to  (a) detect and  (b) prevent the incidence of telephone (i) hacking and (ii) blagging.

Nick Herbert: Section 1 of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 provides an offence of unlawful interception. The police and Crown Prosecution Service are independently responsible for investigating and prosecuting such cases of unlawful interception. In some circumstances, 'blagging' or making false representations, whereby an individual pretends to be another person, could be a constituent element of a dishonesty offence.

Terrorism: Arrests

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people identified as being associated with  (a) Islamic extremist,  (b) far right extremist and  (c) dissident republican interests have been arrested on suspicion of offences related to terrorism in each year since 1997.

Nick Herbert: The Home Office does not collate statistics in this way. However, the Home Office does publish statistics on arrests and outcomes under the Terrorism Act 2000 (Operation of Police Powers under the Terrorism Act 2000 and Subsequent Legislation: Arrests, Outcomes and Stops and Searches). The link to the latest edition of this publication is provided as follows:
	http://rds.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs10/hosb1010.pdf

UK Border Agency

Kris Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many cases the UK Border Agency has defended at the High Court in each of the last three years.

Damian Green: The UK Border Agency does not store information in the way requested. However the administrative court has provided the following data showing applications to the High Court where the Secretary of State for the Home Department was listed as the defendant in immigration cases in each of the last three calendar years:
	
		
			  Applications received in the ACO 
			  Number 
			   2007  2008  2009 
			 Judicial review civil-immigration asylum only 2,940 1,390 2,440 
			 Judicial review civil-immigration asylum fresh claim 50 1,060 950 
			 Judicial review civil-immigration not asylum 1,310 2,080 2,720 
			 Total 4,310 4,530 6,110 
			  Note: Figures rounded to the nearest 10; figures do not include reconsiderations against refusals of permission to appeal 
		
	
	The administrative court has also provided the following data showing how many judicial review applications were withdrawn, discontinued or subject to a consent order in each of the last three calendar years.
	
		
			  Number 
			   2007  2008  2009 
			 Discontinued/withdrawn/consent order 1,680 1,970 2,220 
			  Note: Figures rounded to the nearest 10; applications may be received in one calendar year but not recorded as withdrawn/discontinued until the following calendar year. 
		
	
	The UK Border Agency seeks to defend all cases either considered on the papers or at an oral hearing that are not discontinued, withdrawn or subject to a consent order.

Vetting and Barring Scheme

Greg Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when she plans to announce her proposals on the future operation of the Vetting and Barring Scheme.

Lynne Featherstone: We have already announced our decision to review the criminal records and vetting and barring regime and scale it back to a common sense level. We are agreeing the terms of reference for this review and will announce further details in due course.

Violent and Sex Offender Register: Offences Against Children

Paul Beresford: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many British citizens are registered on the Violent and Sex Offenders Register as having committed sexual crimes against children.

James Brokenshire: holding answer 19 July 2010
	This question cannot be answered readily and accurately from the Violent and Sex Offenders Register (ViSOR). This is due to the format in which the information is structured on ViSOR, which means information such as the nationality of the offender or age of victim cannot readily be extracted from the database. In total, on 31 March 2009, there were 32,336 registered sex offenders in England and Wales.

Yvonne Fletcher

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if she will meet the Chairman of the Police Federation to discuss Government assistance to police forces to secure the arrest of the killer of WPC Yvonne Fletcher.

Nick Herbert: Home Office Ministers meet regularly with the Police Federation to discuss issues of concern. The murder of PC Yvonne Fletcher was a terrible crime. The investigation into her murder is continuing and remains an operational matter for the police. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office is in regular contact with the Metropolitan police service and continues to press the Libyan Government to allow them to return.

WORK AND PENSIONS

Arthritis: Costs

Grahame Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether his Department has made a recent estimate of the cost to the economy of productivity losses consequent on people with rheumatoid arthritis leaving employment; and if he will assess the merits of taking steps to assist such people to remain in work.

Chris Grayling: The Department has made no estimate of the cost to the economy as a result of productivity losses due to people with rheumatoid arthritis leaving employment.
	The Government are committed to helping disabled people and those with health conditions to remain in work. Access to Work provides financial help towards the extra costs faced by people with a disability in work, where this goes beyond what would be reasonable for an employer to meet. Access to Work supported 37,210 disabled people during 2009-10.

Children: Maintenance

Natascha Engel: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what recent research  (a) his Department and  (b) its agencies have (i) commissioned and (ii) undertaken on the use and application of the rules on departures and variations.

Maria Miller: The Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission is responsible for the child maintenance system. I have asked the Child Maintenance Commissioner to write to the hon. Member with the information requested and I have seen the response.
	 Letter from Susan Park:
	In reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the use of departures and variations within the Child Support Agency, the Secretary of State promised a substantive reply from the Child Maintenance Commissioner as the Child Support Agency is now the responsibility of the Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission. As the Child Maintenance Commissioner is currently on annual leave, I am responding on his behalf.
	You asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what recent research (a) his Department and (b) its agencies have (i) commissioned and (ii) undertaken on the use and application of the rules on departures and variations.
	The Department and the Commission have not conducted any formal research in this area. The Commission has, through the Child Support Agency, carried out some interviews with people working in this area to get operational feedback on how variation cases are processed in order to identify concerns and issues.
	Previously, when policy responsibility rested with the Department for Work and Pensions, officials met with a range of stakeholders including client representative organisations to discuss problems in the current system and the potential solutions. Subsequently Commission officials have met, and received representations from, client representative groups on an ad-hoc basis to discuss a range of policy issues including variations.
	All of these sources of information and ideas are feeding in to the policy work being carried out to develop rules for variations in the future scheme, currently planned to be launched in 2011. Draft regulations for any proposed future scheme, including variations, will be consulted on publicly in advance of implementation.

Council Tax Benefits

Angela Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when he expects to complete the renaming of council tax benefit as council tax rebate.

Steve Webb: We cannot commit to a timetable for implementation until we have fully assessed the precise costs and impact of this change. We are engaging with local authorities and their IT suppliers in work to establish the particular delivery implications and associated costs for local authorities. Similar work is being carried out within Jobcentre Plus and the Pension, Disability and Carers Service where there are major implications for IT systems which link to local authorities' systems and play a crucial role in supporting benefit claims.

Departmental Contracts

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether he has made an estimate of the monetary value of the contracts between his Department and private sector companies which will be cancelled under his Department's planned spending reductions.

Chris Grayling: All areas of DWP third party expenditure are under close scrutiny to reduce costs either through contract renegotiation, demand management or collaboration with other departments. This work is being undertaken in accordance with guidance from the Efficiency and Reform Group. Negotiations with major contractors are under way, aligned with the cross-Government approach led by the Cabinet Office. These are not at a stage where estimates of the value of potential contract cancellations have been made.

Departmental Lost Property

Pete Wishart: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what property has been recorded as  (a) lost and  (b) stolen from his Department in the last 12 months; and what estimate has been made of the cost of the replacement of that property.

Chris Grayling: In accordance with guidance from HM Treasury, the Department maintains records of property that it owns, and which has been lost or stolen. In the past 12 months, no items have been recorded as lost or stolen, and there is therefore no corresponding replacement cost. These records do not include assets which are leased to, but not owned by the Department, for example under contractual arrangements.

Departmental Manpower

Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many of the staff employed by his Department on fixed-term contracts which are coming to an end will be given new contracts; and if he will make a statement.

Chris Grayling: As at 30 June 2010 the Department and its Agencies employed 12,531 full time equivalent staff on fixed-term appointments.
	The overwhelming majority of staff on fixed-term appointments have been recruited to support the increase in workloads as a result of the economic downturn. As the economy improves and as further business efficiencies are introduced, this requirement should reduce. However, if extra staff are needed in a certain location or on a particular project, we will always seek to redeploy any surplus permanent staff wherever possible, and fixed term contracts will only be extended, or extra staff recruited, where absolutely necessary.
	The Department and its Agencies continue to keep staffing levels under close review, including the need to extend fixed term appointments. At this stage it is not possible to say how many contracts may need to be extended.

Departmental Official Cars

Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how much his Department has spent on the Government Car Service since the Government took office.

Chris Grayling: The Department has spent £59,436.92 (excluding VAT) on the Government Car Service since the Government took office.
	The Department spent £95,872.04 (excluding VAT) on the Government Car Service for the same period in 2009. It has subsequently restricted the number of people who are eligible to use the service to Ministers, the Permanent Secretary and, occasionally, senior officials.
	This is a service level agreement, which is a legacy from the previous Government and we are reviewing all expenditure in time for the spending review.

Departmental Official Hospitality

Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how much his Department spent on hospitality for events hosted by each Minister in his Department in  (a) May and  (b) June 2010.

Chris Grayling: No money has been spent by this Department on hospitality for events hosted by any of its Ministers during May and June 2010.

Departmental Operating Costs

Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps he has taken to reduce the running costs of his Department since his appointment.

Chris Grayling: As the hon. Gentleman may know, the DWP has committed to contributing £535 million towards the Government's savings target of £6.243 billion, as announced by the treasury on the 24 of May 2010. The cost saving will be made from budgets for the Young Persons Guarantee, the Six Month Offer, IT and other project investment, cost reductions from major suppliers, staff savings by implementing a recruitment freeze and not renewing the contracts of some fixed term-appointments, reductions in discretionary spending (which includes business travel and office expenses) and reducing the cost of our buildings.
	The DWP will continue to find greater efficiencies throughout the Spending Review in order to meet the spending challenges set by the Treasury. Further details of which will be available from the 20 of October.

Departmental Secondment

Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps he plans to take to increase the number of officials seconded from his Department to EU institutions.

Chris Grayling: DWP uses its limited budget strategically to support secondees to EU institutions, focusing on areas likely to be of most interest to this department. Although the Department has no plans to increase the current level of representation at present, officials are working with other Whitehall departments to develop best practice and improve the effectiveness of existing EU secondments and ensure that both Government and secondees achieve best value from the secondment process.

Disability Living Allowance

Kate Hoey: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  whether he plans to make changes to the system of sanctions taken against those who commit  (a) fraud and  (b) error in disability living allowance claims under the proposed new system;
	(2)  when he plans to consult disabled people on proposed changes to disability living allowance; and which organisations representing disabled people will be invited to take part in the consultation;
	(3)  for what reasons the medical assessment system to be used to assess eligibility for disability living allowance is to be based on the work capability assessment used in relation to employment and support allowance.

Maria Miller: Commitments were made in the June Budget to reform DLA to ensure it supports those people who are most in need. We will develop a more objective assessment for introduction from 2013-14 and consider how a more transparent system could reduce the scope for fraud and error. The criteria and assessment for disability living allowance is not linked to the capability for work and is therefore distinct from the work capability assessment.
	We will talk to disabled people and a broad range of representative organisations to ensure support is effectively targeted on those with greatest need and distributed on a consistent basis, while continuing to tackle the inequalities that can arise from severe disability.

Disability Living Allowance: Medical Examinations

Kate Hoey: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  what steps his Department has taken to ensure compliance with  (a) the legal duty to make reasonable adjustments under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and  (b) the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in relation to attendance at medical assessments by claimants of disability living allowance;
	(2)  what assessment he plans to make of the compatibility of the proposed changes to the disability living allowance claims forms with  (a) the legal duty under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 to make reasonable adjustments and  (b) Article 9 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Maria Miller: Under the current arrangements for disability living allowance, a small proportion of applicants are requested to undertake an assessment with the Department's medical services contractor. Arrangements are made to ensure accessibility by offering an assessment in the customer's home or at a medical examination centre.
	The Government's approach to reform of the assessment for disability living allowance will continue to be based on the key principle of fairness, and ensuring disabled people have the same opportunities as everyone else in society. This is an essential component of social justice, which is at the heart of this Department's agenda.
	The details of the new assessment are currently under development but will be designed from the beginning to meet our obligations under the United Nations convention and our duties under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, ensuring that the impact on disabled people is given full consideration. To assist with the development process, and recognising our obligations under the UN convention, we will engage with external partners, including disabled people and their organisations.

Disability Living Allowance: Mental Illness

Adrian Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether he plans to revise the eligibility criteria for disability living allowance for people with mental health or behavioural conditions.

Maria Miller: We will reform Disability Living Allowance to ensure it supports those people with the highest needs, on a consistent and transparent basis. We will introduce a more objective assessment from 2013-14 and as we develop our proposals we will talk to both disabled people and a broad range of organisations, including those representing people with mental health and behavioural conditions.

Employment: Lone Parents

Nick Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps his Department is taking to assist lone parents into work.

Maria Miller: Supporting lone parents into paid work is essential to our strategy for the eradication of child poverty. As well as maintaining and building the necessary culture and infrastructure around provision of childcare and promotion of flexible working, the Coalition Government will introduce a single Work programme in the first half of 2011, which offers all benefit recipients, including lone parents, personalised help, delivered by contractors drawn from the private, public and voluntary sectors, as well as social enterprises.
	We are also increasing the requirement on lone parents with older children to seek work, in line with their caring responsibilities. Currently, lone parents whose youngest child is 10 or over and who are not in paid work must ordinarily claim jobseeker's allowance and look for work, or employment and support allowance and undergo a work capability assessment. Before that, they can claim income support. The age of the youngest child will be reduced to seven in October 2010, and the June 2010 Budget announced that it would be lowered to when the youngest child enters school or formal education. We plan to implement this change in 2011-12, subject to passage of the relevant primary legislation.
	Lone parents with children under the age of 13 can restrict their availability for work to their children's school hours, and non-availability of childcare must be taken into account by benefit decision-makers when considering whether a parent had good cause for turning down an offer of employment.
	Lone parents with younger children are not required to seek work, but if they wish to return to work, pre-employment and in-work support are available through specialist Lone Parent Advisers.
	In recognition of the difficulties lone parents caring for disabled children may encounter in returning to work, regulations provide that lone parents on income support with a child aged fifteen or under who have a child receiving the middle or higher care component of disability living allowance are not required to seek work in return for benefit.

Ethnic Minority Employment Taskforce: Expenditure

Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the cost to the public purse was of the Ethnic Minority Employment Taskforce in each year since 2004.

Maria Miller: The Ethnic Minority Employment Task Force does not have a specific budget. Secretariat support is provided by the Department for Work and Pensions as part of its general functions and the cost of this support is not separately identified. This taskforce is a non-departmental public body and is therefore subject to the review currently being undertaken by the Cabinet Office.

Ethnic Minority Employment Taskforce: Expenditure

Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the cost to the public purse was of the Ethnic Minority Advisory Group in each year since 2006.

Maria Miller: The Ethnic Minority Advisory Group is an independent advisory group to Government and has no specific budget and members receive no remuneration. Secretariat support is provided by my Department as part of its general functions and there are some small costs in hiring accommodation for meetings, covering travelling expenses, etc but these are not separately identified

Funerals: West Midlands

Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the monetary value of reclaimed funeral payments in  (a) the West Midlands and  (b) Dudley borough has been in each year since 2000.

Steve Webb: I refer the hon. Member to the written answer I gave him on 22 July 2010,  Official Report, column 549W.

Housing Benefit

Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether he has made a recent estimate of the level of over-occupation in social sector housing in respect of which the main tenant is in receipt of housing benefit in  (a) Bishop Auckland and  (b) Blackpool North and Cleveleys constituency.

Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what his estimate is of the extent of over-occupation in social sector housing in Stretford and Urmston constituency among households where the main tenant is in receipt of housing benefit.

Yvonne Fovargue: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what his estimate is of the extent of over-occupation in social sector housing in Makerfield constituency among households where the main tenant is in receipt of housing benefit.

Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what his estimate is of the extent of over occupation in social sector housing in Houghton and Sunderland South constituency in households where the main tenant is in receipt of housing benefit.

Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what his estimate is of the extent of over occupation in social sector housing in  (a) Glasgow North and  (b) Ealing Central and Acton constituency in households where the main tenant is in receipt of housing benefit.

Steve Webb: The information is not available. The Department for Work and Pensions does not collect information on dwelling size for all housing benefit recipients.
	Information on housing occupancy rates generally is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of Sate for Communities and Local Government.
	The English Housing Survey in 2008-09 showed that 258,000 (6.7%) of all social rented households and 164,000 (5.4%) of all private rented households in England were over-occupied as measured by the bedroom standard.
	The "bedroom standard" is essentially the difference between the number of bedrooms needed to avoid undesirable sharing (given the number and ages of household members and their relationships to each other) and the number of bedrooms actually available to the household.
	 Source:
	Figures on over-occupation are taken from Table 6: Overcrowding and under-occupation by tenture' from the English Housing Survey, 2008-09'.

Housing Benefit

Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether he has made a recent estimate of the number of non-dependants living in households in which the main occupier is in receipt of housing benefit in  (a) Bishop Auckland and  (b) Blackpool North and Cleveleys constituency.

Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what his estimate is of the number of non-dependants living in households where the main occupier is in receipt of housing benefit in West Lancashire constituency.

Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the number of non-dependants living in households where the main occupier is in receipt of housing benefit in  (a) Glasgow North and  (b) Ealing Central and Acton constituency.

Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the number of non-dependants living in households where the main occupier is in receipt of housing benefit in  (a) Slough,  (b) Salisbury and  (c) Scarborough and Whitby constituency.

Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the number of non-dependants living in households where the main occupier is in receipt of housing benefit in Houghton and Sunderland South constituency.

Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what his estimate is of the number of non-dependants living in households where the main occupier is in receipt of housing benefit in Stretford and Urmston constituency.

Yvonne Fovargue: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what recent estimate he has made of the number of non-dependants living in households where the main occupier is in receipt of housing benefit in Makerfield constituency.

Steve Webb: The information is not available.

Housing Benefit

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the likely saving to the public purse due to reductions in the sums allocated to fund temporary private sector accommodation as a result of setting local housing allowance rates at the 30th percentile of local rents for each year for April 2012 for which figures are available.

Steve Webb: The information is not available.
	Housing benefit subsidy for people in temporary accommodation is considered separately to mainstream local housing allowance rates and reviewed annually.
	The proposal to set local housing allowance rates at the 30th percentile, from October 2011, would not affect housing benefit subsidy levels for private sector leased temporary accommodation before April 2012. This is because, under existing legislation, housing benefit subsidy levels for this type of temporary accommodation are based on a formula that uses local housing allowance rates for the January preceding each relevant financial year. Therefore subsidy levels until April 2012 would be based on local housing allowance rates before the proposed changes take effect.
	Subsidy levels from April 2012, including the method used to calculate them, have not yet been decided.

Housing Benefit

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many families in each status category receive housing benefit.

Steve Webb: The available information is published in the First Release DWP Statistical Summary Table 1.1. The most recent edition was published on 14 July 2010; a copy has been placed in the Library.
	The First Release DWP Statistical Summary is also available online at:
	http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd1/stats_summary/stats_summary_jul2010.pdf

Housing Benefit

Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what proportion of claimants of housing benefit in  (a) England and  (b) Doncaster (i) are claimants of jobseeker's allowance and (ii) have claimed jobseeker's allowance for 12 months or more.

Steve Webb: The information requested is not available.
	Information is collected on the number of housing benefit claimants in receipt of a passported benefit, and the available information on the number who are also receiving income-based jobseeker's allowance (JSA(IB)) in England and Doncaster metropolitan borough council is in the following table. However to provide the total number of JSA claimants receiving housing benefit and the duration of their claims would require a significant exercise to merge the relevant data and would incur a disproportionate cost.
	The available information is shown in the following table.
	
		
			  Recipients of housing benefit, in England and Doncaster council, who are also receiving JSA(IB): April 2010 
			   All  JSA (IB)  Percentage with JSA (IB) 
			 England 4,044,270 494,190 12.2 
			 Doncaster council 25,770 3,610 14.0 
			  Notes: 1. Recipients are as at second Thursday of the month. 2. Passported status does not include recipients with unknown passported status. 3. Passported benefit as recorded on systems within the local authority. 4. Caseload figures are rounded to the nearest 10, percentages to one decimal place.  Source: Single housing benefit extract (SHBE).

Housing Benefit

Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what proportion of those affected by the reduction in housing benefit to 90 per cent. after 12 months on benefit, as announced in the June 2010 Budget, are estimated to be  (a) families with children and  (b) lone parents.

Steve Webb: The information requested is not available.
	We are developing the detailed policy design for the measure announced in the June 2010 Budget to reduce housing benefit by 10% after 12 months for those customers who are also in receipt of jobseeker's allowance. We shall publish impact assessments to accompany the relevant legislation when introduced in Parliament and are investigating the scope for publishing sooner.

Housing Benefit

David Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps he plans to take to monitor the effect of his proposed changes to housing benefit.

Steve Webb: We will monitor the impact of the changes to housing benefit announced in the emergency Budget through housing benefit data we routinely collect from local authorities. We will also be discussing with other Government Departments and the devolved Administrations other ways we might monitor the wider impact of these changes.

Housing Benefit

Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has to review the housing benefit budget in respect of  (a) supported and  (b) sheltered accommodation.

Steve Webb: There is no separate budget for these types of accommodation. However the Department is currently reviewing the way they are assessed within the housing benefit system.

Housing Benefit

Jon Cruddas: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many households are in receipt of local housing allowance in each  (a) local authority area and  (b) broad rental market area.

Steve Webb: The Department does collect some management information on Broad Rental Market Areas but this has not been sufficiently quality assured below national level to use in any departmental briefing or external publication, including a parliamentary question. To do so for the purposes of this parliamentary question would incur disproportionate cost.
	The available local authority information has been placed in the Library.

Housing Benefit

Jon Cruddas: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people in households in receipt of local housing allowance are  (a) in work,  (b) unemployed,  (c) retired,  (d) parents with dependent children and  (e) permanently sick or disabled.

Steve Webb: The information is not available in the format requested.
	The available information is in the table.
	
		
			  Number of local housing allowance tenants in Great Britain by family type-April 2010 
			  Local housing allowance recipients  Number 
			 All 1,043,860 
			 Couple with child dependant(s) 155,210 
			 Single with child dependant(s) 325,010 
			 Aged 65 and over 54,030 
			  Notes: 1. Recipients are as at second Thursday of the month. 2. Tenure type does not include recipients with unknown tenure type. 3. Local housing allowance (LHA) tenants may include a small number of non-LHA cases making a new claim since 7 April 2008. This will include recipients in caravan accommodation. 4. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10. 5. Age groups are based on the age on the count date (second Thursday in the month), of either: (a) the recipient if they are single, or (b) the elder of the recipient or partner if claiming as a couple.  Source: Single Housing Benefit Extract (SHBE).

Housing Benefit

Jon Cruddas: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  how many and what proportion of households in receipt of local housing allowance  (a) make an additional payment to cover the difference between benefit received and rent paid,  (b) keep the difference between the rent paid and benefit received and  (c) pay the same amount in rent as their housing benefit in each local authority area;
	(2)  how many and what proportion of households in receipt of local housing allowance  (a) make an additional payment to cover the difference between benefit received and rent paid,  (b) keep the difference between the rent paid and benefit received and  (c) pay the same amount in rent as their housing benefit in each broad rental market area.

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many and what proportion of people receiving housing benefit and local housing allowance receive less in benefit than their rent.

Steve Webb: The information requested is not available at sub-national level.
	In August 2009 in Great Britain, among customers receiving housing benefit under the local housing allowance arrangements, 48% had a shortfall of £23 per week on average and 44% had an excess of £11 per week on average. This relates to shortfalls or excesses caused by a customer's contractual rent being higher or lower than the appropriate local housing allowance rate. 8% of customers paid the same amount of rent as they received in local housing allowance.

Housing Benefit

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what average housing benefit payment is for households in  (a) the private sector and  (b) the social housing sector.

Steve Webb: The available information is in the table.
	
		
			  Housing benefit recipients average weekly award by tenure in Great Britain, April 2010 
			   Tenure type 
			   Social rented sector  Private rented sector 
			Private deregulated tenants 
			  All HB recipients  Total  LA tenants  Registered social landlord tenants  Total  Private regulated tenants  Local housing allowance tenants  Non-local housing allowance tenants 
			 84.24 73.04 67.86 77.43 109.74 76.10 113.38 103.94 
			  Notes: 1. Recipients are as at second Thursday of the month. 2. Tenure type does not include recipients with unknown tenure type. 3. Local housing allowance tenants may include a small number of non-LHA cases making a new claim since 7 April 2008. This will include recipients in caravan accommodation. 4. Average awards are shown as pounds per week and rounded to the nearest penny.  Source: Single Housing Benefit Extract 100% individual level data (SHBE). 
		
	
	Table taken from table 5 of publication at:
	http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd1/hb_ctb/hbctb_release_jul10.xls

Housing Benefit

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what average housing benefit payment is for households in  (a) the North West and  (b) the UK.

Steve Webb: Information for Northern Ireland is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.
	The available information is in the table.
	
		
			  Average weekly housing benefit payment, April 2010 
			   £ 
			 North West (Government Office Region) 73.28 
			 Great Britain 84.34 
			  Notes: 1. Recipients are as at second Thursday of the month. 2. Average amounts are shown as pounds per week and rounded to the nearest penny.  Source: Single Housing Benefit Extract 100% individual level data (SHBE).

Housing Benefit

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people receiving housing benefit are living in poverty.

Steve Webb: The latest information is available from the Family Resources survey, 2008-09. Of the estimated 6.5 million individuals in families who recorded receipt of housing benefit, the number who were living in households with income below 60% of median household income in 2008-09 was 2.6 million (40%) before housing costs and 3.9 million (60%) After housing costs.
	 Notes:
	1. These statistics are based on households below average income (HBAI) data sourced from the Family Resources survey (FRS).
	2. The reference period for HBAI figures is single financial years.
	3. The income measures used to derive the estimates shown employ the same methodology as the Department for Work and Pensions publication "Households Below Average Income" series, which uses disposable household income, adjusted (or "equivalised") for household size and composition, as an income measure as a proxy for standard of living.
	4. The figures are based on OECD equivalisation factors.
	5. Figures have been presented on both a before housing cost and after housing cost basis. For before housing cost, housing costs (such as rent, water rates, mortgage interest payments, structural insurance payments and ground rent and service charges) are not deducted from income, while for after housing cost they are.
	6. The FRS is known to under-record benefit receipt so the estimates presented should be treated with caution.

Housing Benefit

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  what assessment has been made of the effects on tenants in the private rented sector of proposed reductions in housing benefit;
	(2)  how many people will receive reduced housing benefit payment because of the proposed cap on local housing allowance;
	(3)  what equality impact assessment has been made of the proposed cap on local housing allowance;
	(4)  what assessment has been made of the effects on young people of the proposed reductions in housing benefit.

Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the number of people in Sunderland who will be affected by the proposed changes to housing benefit; and whether he has made an estimate of the average change in housing benefit payments to such people under his Department's proposals.

Christopher Pincher: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people in  (a) Staffordshire and  (b) Tamworth were in receipt of housing benefit of more than £400 a month in the latest period for which figures are available.

Jon Cruddas: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many households are in receipt of housing benefit  (a) at the five bedroom rate and  (b) of more than £400 per week for a five bedroom property in England.

Steve Webb: The Department published an Equality Impact Assessment on 'Changes to the Local Housing Allowance arrangements and Housing Benefit size criteria for people with non-resident overnight carers' and a separate document on 'Impacts of Housing Benefit proposals: Changes to the Local Housing Allowance to be introduced in 2011-12' on 23 July 2010. A copy of these has been placed in the Library.

Housing Benefit

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will provide transitional measures to those on low incomes who have reduced incomes as a result of proposed reductions in housing benefit.

Steve Webb: Existing housing benefit customers will not normally be affected by changes to the local housing allowance rates until the anniversary of their claim. This could be up to a year after the changes come into effect.
	The Department for Work and Pensions will provide practical support for local authorities and welfare advisers to ensure that a comprehensive and consistent communication strategy is developed for people in receipt of housing benefit who may face a reduction in entitlement.
	The Government will provide additional funding for discretionary housing payments. This will be an additional £10 million in 2011-12 and £40 million a year thereafter. This will help local authorities target additional funding to those customers who they feel need the most support.
	The Department is working with other Government Departments and the devolved Administrations to explore strategies that can be adopted to ease the process for households seeking and moving to alternative accommodation.

Housing Benefit

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment has been made of the effects on levels of youth unemployment of changes to non-dependent deductions in housing benefit.

Steve Webb: We shall publish an impact assessment for the changes to non-dependent deductions announced in the Budget to accompany the relevant legislation when introduced in Parliament. We plan to announce the rates for 2011/12 as part of the annual uprating exercise.

Housing Benefit

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make reductions in housing benefit only in cases where tenants are offered suitable alternative accommodation.

Steve Webb: The measures that will be introduced in 2011 to reduce housing benefit expenditure will apply in all relevant cases, not just where tenants are offered alternative accommodation.
	The change that will restrict housing benefit for working age tenants in the social rented sector who live in a property that is too large for their needs will require primary legislation. It is too early to say how the 2013 change might be designed, but my Department will be working with the Department of Communities and Local Government to identify a range of options and we will consult as we develop the proposals and during the legislative process.

Housing Benefit

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many households will be affected by the proposal to limit working age housing benefit entitlement to reflect housing size.

Steve Webb: The information is not available.
	The detailed policy design of this change is still being developed. Impact assessments, including the number of households affected, will be published to accompany the relevant legislation when introduced in Parliament.

Housing Benefit

Meg Hillier: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions with reference to the Budget Red Book, page 40, Table 2.1, how the figures in lines 29 to 36 were calculated.

Steve Webb: The assumptions and methodologies underlying policy costings for the June 2010 Budget have been published. A copy has been placed in the Library.

Housing Benefit

Meg Hillier: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when he expects to publish draft regulations for the implementation of the housing benefit proposals in the June 2010 Budget.

Steve Webb: The Department has referred draft legislation which would give effect to the changes to local housing allowance rates in 2011 to the Social Security Advisory Committee. We will also be consulting with the Local Authority Associations in the normal way.

Housing Benefit: Camden

Frank Dobson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people resident in the London Borough of Camden have been claiming the maximum level of local housing allowance in the latest period for which figures are available; and how many of those people are in work.

Steve Webb: In April 2010, our records show that there were no housing benefit recipients in the London borough of Camden receiving the maximum level of local housing allowance of £1,800 per week.
	 Source:
	Single Housing Benefit Extract for April 2010.

Housing Benefit: Disability

Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether the Government's proposals for changes to housing benefit will apply to households where one or more individual has a disability.

Steve Webb: The Government intend to apply the housing benefit changes announced in the Emergency Budget to households where one or more people have a disability, as appropriate depending on the individual measure.
	However, the Government will provide additional funding for discretionary housing payments. This will be an additional £10 million in 2011-12 and £40 million a year thereafter. This will help local authorities target additional funding to those customers who they feel need the most support.

Housing Benefit: Doncaster

Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  how many households receive housing benefit of more than  (a) £250 per week for a one bedroom property,  (b) £290 per week for a two bedroom property,  (c) £340 per week for a three bedroom property and  (d) £400 per week for a four bedroom property in Doncaster;
	(2)  how many households receive housing benefit of more than  (a) £53 per week for a one room property,  (b) £74.79 per week for a one bedroom property,  (c) £90 per week for a two bedroom property,  (d) £97.81 per week for a three bedroom property and  (e) £132.33 per week for a four bedroom property in Doncaster.

Steve Webb: At March 2010, for housing benefit claims assessed under the local housing allowance arrangements in the Doncaster local authority, our records show that there were:
	No households with a one-bedroom entitlement receiving over £250 per week;
	No households with a two-bedroom entitlement receiving over £290 per week;
	No households with a three-bedroom entitlement receiving over £340 per week; and
	No households with a four or five-bedroom entitlement receiving over £400 per week;
	660 households with a one-room entitlement receiving over £53 per week;
	1,520 households with a one-bedroom entitlement receiving over £74.79 per week;
	1,730 households with a two-bedroom entitlement receiving over £90 per week;
	550 households with a three-bedroom entitlement receiving over £97.81 per week; and
	70 households with a four or five-bedroom entitlement receiving over £132.33 per week.
	 Notes:
	1. All figures have been rounded to the nearest 10 recipients.
	2. The Single Housing Benefit Extract does not have bedroom entitlement recorded in 5% of the Local Housing Allowance cases in Doncaster so there may be some underestimation in the numbers reported.
	 Source:
	Single Housing Benefit Extract

Housing Benefit: Greater London

Glenda Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will estimate the numbers of  (a) pensioners,  (b) single parent families,  (c) families in the lowest income decile,  (d) individuals on disability living allowance,  (e) individuals on incapacity benefit and  (f) asylum claimants in (i) the London borough of Camden, (ii) the London borough of Brent and (iii) the Greater London area who will be adversely affected as a result of proposed reductions in housing benefit.

Steve Webb: The information is not available in the format requested.
	The Department published an equality impact assessment for the housing benefit changes that will affect the calculation of local housing allowance rates on 23 July 2010. This contains an assessment of the impact of changes by gender, disability, age, race and on families. A copy has been placed in the Library.
	We are developing the detailed policy design of the other housing benefit changes announced in the Budget. We shall publish impact assessments to accompany the relevant legislation when introduced in Parliament and are investigating the scope for publishing sooner.

Housing Benefit: Peterborough

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many  (a) pensioners,  (b) people of working age in work,  (c) people of working age who are unemployed,  (d) social sector tenants and  (e) private sector tenants receiving housing benefit there were in (i) Peterborough constituency and (ii) the Peterborough City Council area in each year since 2001; and if he will make a statement.

Steve Webb: The information requested is not available at the constituency level.
	Information on whether a claimant of housing benefit is in employment or not in employment is not available. The available information for Peterborough city council area is in the following tables.
	
		
			  Housing benefit (HB) recipients, split by working age/elderly, as at August 2003 to August 2007: Peterborough city council 
			  As at August:  All housing benefit recipients  Elderly  Working age 
			 2003 10,840 4,260 6,570 
			 2004 10,990 4,240 6,750 
			 2005 11,500 4,240 7,250 
			 2006 11,680 4,220 7,450 
			 2007 12,030 4,240 7,790 
			  Notes: 1. The data refer to benefit units, which may be a single person or a couple. 2. The figures have been rounded to the nearest 10 and totals may not sum due to rounding. 3. Figures for any non-responding authorities have been estimated. 4. Working age/elderly spilt is unavailable prior to August 2003. 5. Elderly is defined as claimants in receipt of the following Passported Benefit, as recorded on the Local Authority computer system: Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit and Minimum Income Guarantee prior to October 2003). If the claim is not passported then a claimant is counted as elderly if they are aged 60 or over. 6. Working Age is defined as claimants in receipt of the following Passported Benefits, as recorded on the Local Authority computer system: Income Support, Jobseeker's Allowance (Income-Based). If the claim is not passported then a claimant is counted as working age if they are aged under 60. 7. Recipients are as at second Thursday of the month.  Source: Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit Management Information System Quarterly 100% taken in August 2003 to August 2007 
		
	
	
		
			  Housing benefit recipients, split by age group, as at November 2008, August 2009 and April 2010: Peterborough city council 
			   All Housing benefit recipients  Aged 65 and over  Aged under 65 
			 November 2008 13,030 3,500 9,530 
			 August 2009 14,610 3,550 11,050 
			 April 2010 15,360 3,520 11,840 
			  Notes: 1. The data refer to benefit units, which may be a single person or a couple. 2. The figures have been rounded to the nearest 10. 3. Single Housing Benefit Extract (SHBE) is a monthly electronic scan of claimant level data direct from local authority computer systems. It replaces quarterly aggregate clerical returns. The data is available monthly from November 2008 and April 2010 is the most recent available. 4. Age groups are based on the age on the count date (second Thursday in the month), of either: (a) the recipient if they are single, or (b) the elder of the recipient or partner if claiming as a couple. 5. The data for November 2008 to April 2010 are not comparable to data between August 2003 and August 2007 due to different definitions. 6. Recipients are as at second Thursday of the month.  Source: Single Housing Benefit Extract (SHBE) 
		
	
	
		
			  Housing benefit recipients, August 2001 to August 2007, by tenancy type: Peterborough city council 
			  As at August:  All Housing benefit recipients  Social rented sector  Private rented sector 
			 2001 11,240 9,230 2,010 
			 2002 11,060 9,140 1,910 
			 2003 10,840 9,040 1,790 
			 2004 10,990 9,030 1,960 
			 2005 11,500 9,200 2,300 
			 2006 11,680 9,060 2,620 
			 2007 12,030 8,940 3,090 
			  Notes: 1. The data refer to benefit units, which may be a single person or a couple. 2. The figures have been rounded to the nearest 10 and totals may not sum due to rounding. 3. Figures for any non-responding authorities have been estimated. 4. Housing Benefit figures exclude any Extended Payment cases. 5. Social Rented Sector includes Local authority and Registered Social Landlord tenants. Private Rented Sector includes Private Regulated and Private Deregulated tenants. 6. Recipients are as at second Thursday of the month.  Source: Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit Management Information System Quarterly 100% taken in August 2001 to August 2007 
		
	
	
		
			  Housing benefit recipients as at November 2008, August 2009 and April 2010, by tenancy type: Peterborough city council 
			   All Housing benefit recipients  Social rented sector  Private rented sector 
			 November 2008 13,030 9,350 3,680 
			 August 2009 14,610 9,910 4,690 
			 April 2010 15,360 10,290 5,060 
			  Notes: 1. The data refer to benefit units, which may be a single person or a couple. 2. The figures have been rounded to the nearest 10. 3. Components may not sum to total due to (i) independent rounding (ii) exclusion of unknown and other small categories. 4. SHBE is a monthly electronic scan of claimant level data direct from local authority computer systems. It replaces quarterly aggregate clerical returns. The data is available monthly from November 2008 and April 2010 is the most recent available. 5. Social Rented Sector includes Local authority and Registered Social Landlord tenants. Private Rented Sector includes Private Regulated and Private Deregulated tenants. 6. Recipients are as at second Thursday of the month.  Source: Single Housing Benefit Extract (SHBE)

Housing Benefit: Wigan

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people are receiving housing benefit in Wigan.

Steve Webb: In April 2010 there were 24,550 housing benefit claimants in the metropolitan borough of Wigan.
	The information is readily available on the internet in table 2 of the publication at:
	http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd1/hb_ctb/hbctb_release_jul10.xls
	 Notes:
	1. Recipients are as at second Thursday of the month.
	2. Data is rounded to the nearest 10.
	3. April 2010 represents the latest data held.
	 Source:
	Single Housing Benefit Extract 100% individual level data (SHBE).

Industrial Injuries

Mike Wood: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the number of people unable to work as the result of an injury at work in each year since 1997.

Chris Grayling: The information is not available from data collected by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Jobcentre Plus: Edinburgh

Sheila Gilmore: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 21 July 2010,  Official Report, columns 417-18W, on Jobcentre Plus: Edinburgh, how many of the 66 members of staff on fixed term contracts will have their contracts renewed in the future.

Chris Grayling: The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, Darra Singh. I have asked him to provide the hon. Member with the information requested.
	 Letter from Darra Singh:
	The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question asking how many of the 66 members of staff on fixed-term contracts in Edinburgh will have their contracts renewed in the future. This is something that falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus.
	As a public sector organisation, Jobcentre Plus needs to review its staffing position regularly. We are currently undertaking such a review and would expect to reach firmer conclusions in several weeks time on possible future extensions of people on fixed-term appointments. Staffing and spending plans for Jobcentre Plus will be dependent on the levels to be announced on 20 October 2010 in the Spending Review settlement set out by HM Treasury. Therefore, I am unable to answer your specific question at this time.

Jobcentre Plus: Manpower

David Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  what estimate he has made of the effect on the number of Jobcentre Plus jobs of the implementation of proposals in the June 2010 Budget;
	(2)  what estimate he has made of the likely change in the number of frontline Jobcentre plus posts in the next two years.

Chris Grayling: The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus, Darra Singh. I have asked him to provide the hon. Member with the information requested.
	 Letter from Darra Singh:
	The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your questions asking i) what estimate he has made of the change in the number of Jobcentre Plus jobs resulting from the proposals in the June 2010 budget; and ii) what estimate he has made of the change in the number of frontline Jobcentre Plus posts in the next two years. These are issues that fall within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus.
	The impact of the proposals in the June 2010 budget will be a staffing reduction in Jobcentre Plus of 2,000 full time equivalents in 2010/11. That figure comprises a headcount efficiency of 1,000 people, with the remaining reduction of 1,000 people being due to falling work volumes. However, we continue to monitor workloads and economic forecasts, and Jobcentre Plus staffing levels are reviewed on a regular basis as part of that.
	Future staffing and spending plans for Jobcentre Plus will be dependent on the levels to be announced on 20 October 2010 in the Spending Review settlement set out by HM Treasury.
	I hope that this is helpful.

Jobcentre Plus: Manpower

David Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the effect of proposed staffing changes at Jobcentre plus on the ability of Jobcentre Plus Centres to help those on incapacity benefit back into work; and if he will take steps to alleviate any negative effects of any such changes on such activities.

Chris Grayling: The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus, Darra Singh. I have asked him to provide the hon. Member with the information requested.
	 Letter from Darra Singh:
	The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question asking what assessment been made of the effect of proposed staffing changes at jobcentre plus on the ability of Jobcentre Plus Centres to help those on incapacity benefit back into work; and if we are taking any steps to alleviate any negative effects of any such changes on such activities.
	The impact of the proposals in the June 2010 budget will be a staffing reduction in Jobcentre Plus of 2,000 full time equivalents in 2010/11. However, we continue to monitor workloads and economic forecasts and Jobcentre Plus staffing levels are reviewed on a regular basis as part of that. We have developed plans to ensure that these headcount changes will not negatively affect Jobcentre Plus' ability to help incapacity benefit claimants back to work.
	Future staffing and spending plans for Jobcentre Plus will be dependent on the levels to be announced on 20 October 2010 in the Spending Review settlement set out by HM Treasury. However, we will ensure that plans are in place to support incapacity benefits claimants following these decisions.
	I hope that this is helpful.

Jobcentre Plus: Temporary Employment

Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many Jobcentre Plus staff are employed on temporary contracts in  (a) Rutherglen and Hamilton West constituency,  (b) South Lanarkshire and  (c) Scotland.

Chris Grayling: The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus, Darra Singh. I have asked him to provide the hon. Member with the information requested.
	 Letter from Darra Singh:
	The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question asking how many Jobcentre Plus staff are employed on temporary contracts in a) Rutherglen and Hamilton West constituency; b) South Lanarkshire; and c) Scotland. This is something that falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus.
	The Office for National Statistics defines temporary staff as those on a fixed-term appointment of less than 12 months. However, Jobcentre Plus also uses fixed-term appointments for longer periods of employment. The table below sets out the position based on the three locations you requested.
	
		
			  Jobcentre Plus staff employed on temporary contracts in Rutherglen and Hamilton West constituency; South Lanarkshire; and Scotland (March 2010) 
			  Location  Fixed-term appointments of less than 12 months  Fixed-term appointments of more than 12 months 
			 Rutherglen and Hamilton West 1 27 
			 South Lanarkshire 1 42 
			 Scotland 147 765 
			  Notes: 1. Headcount figures are quoted in full-time equivalents using ONS definitions for counting headcount and details the latest published data at March 2010. 2. Figures have been rounded to whole numbers. 3. The Rutherglen and Hamilton West constituency comprises three Jobcentre Plus offices: Cambuslang, Hamilton and Rutherglen that fall within South Lanarkshire. The other two offices that make up South Lanarkshire are East Kilbride and Lanark.  Source: Dataview, Jobcentre Plus

Jobseeker's Allowance

Michael Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  what proportion of contacted claimants attended the mandatory back to work session for claimants of jobseeker's allowance in response to the first request from Jobcentre Plus in the latest period for which figures are available;
	(2)  what requirement there is on Jobcentre Plus offices to provide for a security guard to attend mandatory back to work sessions for claimants of jobseeker's allowance;
	(3)  what training Jobcentre Plus staff conducting the mandatory back to work session for claimants in receipt of jobseeker's allowance are required to undergo;
	(4)  whether the content of the mandatory back to work session for claimants in receipt of jobseeker's allowance is devised  (a) centrally or  (b) at local level;
	(5)  what provision his Department has made to collate feedback from those attending at mandatory back to work sessions for claimants in receipt of jobseeker's allowance;
	(6)  if he will direct Jobcentre Plus staff to distribute  (a) travel cost claim forms and  (b) My Three Step Plan packs at each mandatory back to work session for claimants in receipt of jobseeker's allowance.

Chris Grayling: The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, Darra Singh. I have asked him to provide the hon. Member with the information requested.
	 Letter from Darra Singh:
	The Secretary of State has asked me to respond to your parliamentary questions about Back to Work Sessions as these fall within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus.
	With regard to your first question, data is not available on this aspect of Jobcentre Plus performance.
	With regard to your second question, there is no central requirement to have a security guard in attendance at Back to Work Sessions. However, we take the health and safety of our staff and customers very seriously. Each location where we run Back to Work sessions is subject to a formal Risk Assessment on which we consult staff health and safety representatives.
	Additionally, and in response to your third question, before running a Back to Work Session all facilitators must have completed a bespoke learning and development package called Presenting and Facilitating Group Sessions. These sessions are designed to support those delivering the various group sessions available to our customers. The aim of the event is to provide our staff with the skills required to deliver Group Sessions to our Customers. This event gives them the necessary skills and knowledge to research, prepare and deliver group sessions.
	With regard to your question about content, Back to Work Sessions are designed to raise awareness of the local labour market - employers recruiting; jobs available; travel to work areas, etc - and the help available to improve job prospects; and remind customers of their responsibilities to actively seek work and take-up opportunities made available. To support delivery, material is available centrally to ensure the consistency of basic information and key messages and is then tailored locally to give the presentation greater relevance to the local labour market.
	We welcome customer feedback, as it helps us to improve our service. Nationally, Back to Work Sessions have been, and continue to be, evaluated and the results are encouraging. Most customers have viewed the sessions favourably, particularly where they have been interactive and of local relevance. Feedback has also highlighted areas where they could be better and this has led to service delivery improvements. Similarly, offices will seek and act upon customer feedback locally to help assess and improve their Back to Work Sessions.
	In terms of travel expenses, we aim to run Back to Work Sessions so they coincide with the normal requirements to attend the Jobcentre for a jobsearch review. This means customers are not required to make an additional journey and do not incur additional travel expenses, so reimbursement is inappropriate. However, where this is not possible and in circumstances where customers are entitled to a reimbursement, this should be made clear at the outset of the session; and payment made promptly. I have asked for operational guidance to be reviewed and clarified in this respect.
	Finally, the 3-Step Plan is an integral part of the Back to Work Session. The guidance issued to Jobcentre Plus staff states quite clearly that each attendee must be issued with a copy of the 3-Step Plan and encouraged to complete it as fully as possible. The guidance also instructs staff to encourage attendees to access the Jobseeker pages of the Direct Gov website where they can find practical help and advice when applying for jobs.
	I hope this reply is helpful and assures you of our intent to provide people with the best possible service.

Local Housing Allowance

Stewart Hosie: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many families resident in Dundee East constituency will be affected by changes to the rate of local housing allowance from October 2011; and by how much on average per household.

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many families resident in Moray constituency will be affected by changes to the local housing allowance rate from October 2011; and if he will estimate the average amount of reduction for each such family.

Angus MacNeil: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many families resident in Na h-Eileanan an Iar constituency will be affected by changes ot the rate of local housing allowance from October 2011; and by how much on average per household.

Michael Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many families resident in Angus constituency will be affected by changes to the rate of local housing allowance from October 2011; and by how much on average per household.

Eilidh Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many families resident in Banff and Buchan constituency will be affected by changes to the rate of local housing allowance from October 2011; and by how much on average per household.

Steve Webb: The information is not available at the constituency level.
	The Department published a document on 'Impacts of Housing Benefit Proposals: Changes to the Local Housing Allowance to be introduced in 2011-12' on the 23 July, which includes analysis at the local authority level. A copy of the document has been placed in the Library.

Maintenance: Children

Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps his Department is taking to ensure payment of child maintenance arrears owed to single parents in Redditch constituency.

Maria Miller: The Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission is responsible for the child maintenance system. I have asked the Child Maintenance Commissioner to write to the hon. Member with the information requested and I have seen the response.
	 Letter from Susan Park:
	In reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission, the Secretary of State promised a substantive reply from the Child Maintenance Commissioner. As the Child Maintenance Commissioner is currently on annual leave, I am responding on his behalf.
	You asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps his Department is taking to ensure payment of child maintenance arrears owed to single parents in Redditch constituency.
	In the 12 months to March 2010, £1,910,000 in child maintenance was collected and arranged for parents with care in Redditch constituency. As at March 2010, £6,720,000 in arrears was owed on cases where the parent with care is resident in Redditch constituency. £3,718,000 of this is owed specifically to the parent with care with the remainder owed to the Secretary of State.
	Outstanding maintenance arrears were down from £3,828 million in March 2009 to £3,761 in March 2010. The rate of arrears during 2004/05 was increasing by around £23 million per month. In the 12 months to March 2010 arrears reduced on average by £5.6m per month.
	The Coalition Government has said that tackling the issue of outstanding child maintenance arrears is a high priority and the Commission is reviewing its strategy and plans for pursuing arrears in light of this. In addition, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions announced in the House of Commons on 14 June 2010 that the Commission would set a new target for the collection of arrears. The Commission is working with Ministers to agree a suitable level for this target.
	In the meantime the Commission is deploying its range of enforcement measures to collect arrears, including deducting money directly from bank accounts, seizing properties through Order for Sale action and preventing or reversing the transfer of assets from a non-resident parent with outstanding arrears to another person in order to evade child maintenance.

Mortgages: Government Assistance

Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people in  (a) Rutherglen and Hamilton West constituency,  (b) South Lanarkshire and  (c) Lanarkshire and East Dunbartonshire Jobcentre Plus district received support for mortgage interest in each of the last 12 months; and how many of each were in receipt of (i) income support, (ii) jobseeker's allowance and (iii) pension credit.

Steve Webb: The available information is in the table.
	
		
			  Claimants of income support, jobseeker's allowance and pension credit in receipt of support for mortgage interest (SMI), by parliamentary constituency, local/unitary authority and Jobcentre Plus district at November 2009 
			   Total with SMI  Income support with SMI  Jobseeker's allowance with SMI  Pension credit with SMI 
			 Rutherglen and Hamilton West Parliamentary Constituency 0.7 *0.2 - 0.5 
			 South Lanarkshire Unitary Authority 2.1 *0.5 *0.1 1.6 
			 Lanarkshire and East Dunbartonshire Jobcentre Plus District 5.1 1.1 *0.4 3.6 
			  Notes: 1. Figures are displayed in thousands and rounded to the nearest hundred. 2. Totals may not sum due to rounding. 3. Figures have been uprated using 5% proportions against 100% Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study (WPLS) totals. 4. Support for mortgage interest can only be claimed on income based jobseeker's allowance. 5. Pension credit was introduced on 6 October 2003 and replaced minimum income guarantee (income support for people aged 60 or over). The vast majority of people who were previously in receipt of the minimum income guarantee transferred to pension credit in October 2003. 5. Monthly figures are not available. Quarterly information is available but as local authorities and Jobcentre Plus districts change over time the latest available data has been provided. 6. Figures marked with (*) are subject to a high degree of sampling error and should only be used as a guide. 7. "-" Denotes nil or negligible.  Source: Department for Work and Pensions, Information Directorate, 5% sample.

Occupational Pensions

Angela Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the number of people who would be exempted from the requirement to pay into a workplace pension consequent on the exemption of those over  (a) 50 and  (b) 55 years from requirement for automatic enrolment due to begin in 2012.

Steve Webb: The current policy is that from 2012, workers between the age of 22 and state pension age, with annual earnings in at least one job of more than £5,035 (2006-07 earnings terms) will be eligible for automatic enrolment into a qualifying pension scheme, unless they are already participating in such a scheme.
	Our current assumptions indicate that around 10 million -11 million people will be eligible for automatic enrolment in a workplace pension scheme from 2012. An estimate of the numbers of people who would be exempted from the requirement to pay into a workplace pension consequent on the exemption of those aged over 50 and 55 in 2012, is provided in the following table.
	
		
			  Number for people who would be exempted from automatic enrolment 
			   Million 
			 Excluding those aged over 50 2-3 
			 Excluding those aged over 55 1-2 
			  Note: Ranges are rounded to the nearest million

Occupational Pensions

Angela Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the number of people who would be excluded from the requirement to pay into a workplace pension consequent on the exemption of those small and medium-sized enterprises with under  (a) five,  (b) 10,  (c) 20,  (d) 30,  (e) 40,  (f) 50 and  (g) 100 employees from the requirement for automatic enrolment due to begin in 2012.

Steve Webb: The current policy is that from 2012, workers between the age of 22 and State Pension Age, with annual earnings in at least one job of more than £5,035 (2006-7 earnings terms) will be eligible for automatic enrolment into a qualifying pension scheme, unless they are already participating in such a scheme.
	Our current assumptions indicate that around 10 million -11 million people will be eligible for automatic enrolment in a workplace pension scheme from 2012. An estimate of the numbers of people who would no longer be eligible for automatic enrolment if small and medium sized enterprises with under five, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 100 employees were exempted from the duty to automatically enrol their workers is provided in the following table.
	
		
			  million 
			   Number for people who would no longer be eligible for automatic enrolment  New total eligible for automatic enrolment 
			 Excluding those with under five employees 2 8-9 
			 Excluding those with under 10 employees 3 7-8 
			 Excluding those with under 20 employees 3-4 7 
			 Excluding those with under 30 employees 4 6-7 
			 Excluding those with under 40 employees 4-5 6 
			 Excluding those with under 50 employees 5 5-6 
			 Excluding those with under 100 employees 5-6 5 
			  Note:  Ranges are rounded to the nearest million

Office for Budget Responsibility: Employment

Nick Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether his Department has been consulted by the Office for Budget Responsibility on its employment forecasts.

Chris Grayling: The Office for Budget Responsibility produces its employment forecasts independently of Government. Department for Work and Pensions staff were not consulted on them.

Pension Credit

Angela Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will bring forward proposals to uprate pension credit by a level no less than that of earnings in each year of the 2010 Parliament.

Steve Webb: There is a statutory requirement that the pension credit standard minimum guarantee will be up-rated at least in line with earnings.

Pensioners: Bedfordshire

Nadine Dorries: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many pensioners receive  (a) the basic state pension and  (b) pension credit in (i) Bedfordshire and (ii) Mid Bedfordshire constituency.

Steve Webb: The information available is in the table.
	
		
			  Area  State pension recipients  Pension credit individual beneficiaries  Pension credit household recipients 
			 Mid Bedfordshire parliamentary constituency 17,990 3,400 2,760 
			 Bedford Unitary Authority 72,580 16,460 13,510 
			  Notes: 1. Caseload figures are rounded to the nearest 10. 2. State pension figures are for the total state pension caseload. Around 1% of state pension recipients are not in receipt of the basic state pension, but are receiving additional state pension only or graduated retirement benefit only. 3. Basic state pension only figures are not available by current 2010 parliamentary constituencies. 4. Pension credit household recipients are those people who claim pension credit either for themselves or on behalf of themselves and a partner. Individual beneficiaries are the number of claimants in addition to the number of partners for whom they are claiming. 5. Parliamentary constituencies are for the Westminster Parliament of May 2010.  Source:  DWP Information Directorate Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study 100% data as at November 2009

Pensioners: Rutherglen

Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people in Rutherglen and Hamilton West constituency are in receipt of  (a) the state pension,  (b) pension credit and  (c) winter fuel allowance.

Steve Webb: In winter 2008-09, the latest year for which information is available, 18,980 people received a winter fuel payment in Rutherglen and Hamilton West constituency.
	The information for state pension and pension credit is in the table.
	
		
			  Parliamentary constituency Rutherglen and Hamilton West 
			   Number 
			 State pension recipients 17,940 
			 Pension credit individual beneficiaries 8,440 
			 Pension credit household recipients constituency 6,870 
			  Notes: 1. Caseload figures are rounded to the nearest 10. 2. State pension figure provided is the total state pension caseload. 3. Pension credit household recipients are those people who claim pension credit either for themselves or on behalf of themselves and a partner. Individual beneficiaries are the number of claimants in addition to the number of partners for whom they are claiming. 4. Parliamentary constituencies are for the Westminster Parliament of May 2010. 5. Parliamentary constituencies are assigned by matching postcodes against the relevant ONS postcode directory.  Source: DWP Information Directorate Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study 100 per cent data as at November 2009

Pensioners: Social Security Benefits

Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will bring forward proposals to increase the level of those allowances paid to pensioners for which his Department is responsible.

Steve Webb: The statutory framework governing the annual uprating of benefits and pensions currently requires that all components of state pension, with the exception of the 25p age addition, must at a minimum be increased in line with annual growth in prices and that the standard minimum guarantee in pension credit must at a minimum be increased in line with annual growth in average earnings.
	The coalition Government will re-link the basic state pension to earnings from 2011 and we are providing a triple guarantee that the basic state pension will rise each year by the highest of earnings, prices or 2.5%. For 2011, we will additionally ensure that the increase will not be lower then it would have been under the previous uprating arrangements.

Pensions: Index Linking

Sarah Newton: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what recent representations he has received on the use of the consumer price index to calculate final salary pensions; and if he will make a statement.

Steve Webb: I would refer the hon. Member to my answer of 19 July 2010,  Official Report, column 118W.

Pensions: Index Linking

Anne McGuire: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the change in expenditure in the Financial Assistance Scheme attributable to the use of the consumer prices index for pension indexation in the next five years.  [Official Report, 6 September 2010, Vol. 515, c. 2MC.]

Steve Webb: The figures show the estimated annual reduction in Financial Assistance Scheme expenditure as a result of switching the indexation of payments in payment and revaluation of payments in deferment from RPI to CPI from 2011.
	Figures are in cash terms and are rounded to the nearest £100,000. The reduction represents 0.1% of estimated total FAS spending in each year.
	
		
			   CPI from 2011 (£) 
			 2011 100,000 
			 2012 300,000 
			 2013 700,000 
			 2014 1,300,000 
			 2015 2,200,000 
		
	
	Data and modelling limitations mean it is not possible to provide details of the saving for indexation only. However we estimate that the saving relating to revaluation would be greater than that for indexation.

Pensions: Uprating

Angela Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the  (a) level of the basic state pension and  (b) value of the retail price index uprating applied to it was in each year since 1989; and if he will estimate that level had that pension been uprated in line with the consumer price index in each such year.

Steve Webb: The Coalition Government are providing a triple guarantee that the basic state pension will rise each year by the highest of earnings, prices or 2.5%. For 2011, we will additionally ensure that the increase will not be lower then it would have been under the previous uprating arrangements.
	The information requested is provided in the following table. An estimate for CPI inflation in September 1988 is unavailable.
	In April 1994, April 2001, April 2002, April 2003 and April 2010 the basic state pension was increased by more than the value for RPI in the relevant period. The third column provides the rate the basic state pension would have been if only RPI had been used to increase it. There is no increase in April 2010 as RPI inflation was negative in the relevant period.
	
		
			  Date of Uprating  Rate of basic state pension, £ per week  Rate if RPI used, £ per week  Rate if CPI used, £ per week 
			 April 1989 43.60 - - 
			 April 1990 46.90 46.90 45.85 
			 April 1991 52.00 52.00 49.55 
			 April 1992 54.15 54.15 53.05 
			 April 1993 56.10 56.10 54.65 
			 April 1994 57.60 57.10 56.30 
			 April 1995 58.85 58.35 57.15 
			 April 1996 61.15 60.65 58.85 
			 April 1997 62.45 61.90 60.20 
			 April 1998 64.70 64.15 61.30 
			 April 1999 66.75 66.20 62.15 
			 April 2000 67.50 66.95 62.90 
			 April 2001 72.50 69.15 63.55 
			 April 2002 75.50 70.35 64.40 
			 April 2003 77.45 71.55 65.05 
			 April 2004 79.60 73.55 65.95 
			 April 2005 82.05 75.85 66.70 
			 April 2006 84.25 77.90 68.35 
			 April 2007 87.30 80.70 70.00 
			 April 2008 90.70 83.85 71.25 
			 April 2009 95.25 88.05 74.95 
			 April 2010 97.65 88.05 75.75 
			  Notes: 1. In the CPI scenario the basic state pension level has been increased by CPI inflation for September of the preceding year. Where it has been used RPI inflation is taken from the same period. 2. The official CPI index starts in 1996 but historical estimates back to 1988 have been calculated based on archived RPI data. These estimates can be considered a reasonable proxy to the official series. Further details are given in Economic Trends No. 541. Prior to the 10 December 2003, the CPI was published as the HICP.  Sources: DWP analysis; The Abstract of Statistics for Benefits, National Insurance Contributions, and Indices of Prices and Earnings, 2009 edition; Office for National Statistics historical CPI data, July 2010

Pensions: Working Mothers

Nicky Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what recent discussions he has had with Ministerial colleagues on the effect of maternity leave on the pension contributions of working mothers.

Steve Webb: None on this specific issue, but the Government have made clear its intention to commence the core provisions of the Equality Act 2010-including those requirements on occupational pensions and maternity leave-from October 2010.
	The new provisions will not alter the current position that:
	an employer contributing to an occupational pension must continue to make the usual payments during the period an employee gets statutory maternity pay or contractual maternity pay; and
	an employee is required only to pay any contributions of her own on the amount of statutory maternity pay or contractual remuneration actually paid to, or for, her during that period.

Post Office Card Account: Rutherglen

Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the number of people in  (a) Rutherglen and Hamilton West constituency and  (b) South Lanarkshire who have Post Office card accounts.

Steve Webb: As at February 2010, the latest date for which information is available, the number of Post Office card accounts held in Rutherglen and Hamilton West constituency was 12,150. The number held in South Lanarkshire was 27,250.

Poverty

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has to estimate the minimum income required for healthy living.

Maria Miller: We recognise that the current legislation and ways of measuring poverty do not necessarily capture all aspects of poverty or inequality facing individuals and families. The Government are committed to tackling the causes of poverty and not just treating the symptoms. We must tackle the root causes of how people get trapped in poverty, breaking the cycle of disadvantage and dependency culture to stimulate social mobility.
	The right hon. Member for Birkenhead (Mr Field) has been asked to lead an independent review of poverty and life chances including examining the case for reforms to poverty measures, in particular for the inclusion of non-financial elements. The review will explore whether there are measures that can improve the way poverty is tackled, ensuring we focus on the root causes and the paths into poverty as well as looking at the non-financial side.

Poverty: Children

Fiona O'Donnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what recent estimate he has made of the number of children in  (a) absolute poverty,  (b) relative poverty and  (c) combined material deprivation and low income in East Lothian constituency.

Maria Miller: Estimates of the number and proportion of children living in poverty in Scotland are published in "Poverty and Income Inequality in Scotland: 2008-09". This uses household income adjusted (or 'equivalised') for household size and composition, to provide a proxy for standard of living.
	As they are based on survey data, child poverty estimates published in "Poverty and Income Inequality in Scotland" do not allow analysis by parliamentary constituency. Figures for Scotland are set out in the following table.
	
		
			  Number of children in absolute, relative and combined material deprivation and low income in Scotland 
			  Period 2008-09  Number of children (thousand) 
			 Absolute poverty(1) 110 
			 Relative poverty(2) 210 
			 Combined material deprivation and low income(3) 160 
			 (1 )Absolute poverty refers to the number of children living in households whose equivalised income is below 60% of the Great Britain median income before housing costs in 1998-99. (2)( )Relative poverty refers to the number of children living in households whose equivalised income is below 60% of contemporary UK median income before housing costs. (3 )Combined material deprivation and low income refers to the number of children living in households with a material deprivation score of 25 or more and with equivalised incomes below 70% of contemporary UK median income before housing costs.  Notes: 1. The source of this information is the Poverty and Income Inequality in Scotland: 2008-09 publication. 2. The income measures used to derive the estimates shown employ the same methodology as the Department for Work and Pensions publication "Households Below Average Income" series, which uses disposable household income, adjusted (or 'equivalised') for household size and composition, as an income measure as a proxy for standard of living. 3. The figures are based on OECD equivalisation factors. 4. Figures are based on survey data and as such are subject to a degree of sampling and non-sampling error. 5. Numbers of children in low-income households have been rounded to the nearest 10,000 children.  Source: Poverty and Income Inequality in Scotland: 2008-09 
		
	
	Income measures do not necessarily capture all aspects of poverty or inequality facing children and their families and the Government is committed to tackling the causes of poverty and not just treating the symptoms. We must tackle the root causes of how people get trapped in poverty, breaking the cycle of disadvantage and dependency culture to stimulate social mobility.
	Frank Field has been asked to lead an independent review of poverty and life chances including examining the case for reforms to poverty measures, in particular for the inclusion of non-financial elements. The review will explore whether there are measures that can improve the way poverty is tackled, ensuring we focus on the root causes and the paths into poverty as well as looking at the non-financial side.

Poverty: Lancashire

Graham Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps he plans to take to reduce levels of income inequality in Lancashire.

David Gauke: I have been asked to reply.
	Analysis shown in the June Budget shows that the overall impact of modelled direct tax, indirect tax, and benefit and tax credit changes coming into effect by 2012-13 is progressive, with the rich paying more than the poorest. The Government have also set out in their spending review framework that they will
	"look closely at the effects of its decisions on different groups in society, especially the least well off, and on different regions." (2.4, page 7).

Social Security Benefits: Disability

Tony Lloyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the effects on disabled people of recent changes to the eligibility criteria for accessing the Independent Living Fund.

Maria Miller: holding answer 20 July 2010
	The decision to restrict applications in accordance with priority groups outlined in the Trust Deed was made under the previous administration and no consultation was undertaken about the effect of this decision on disabled people. The ILF subsequently closed the Fund to new applicants in June to safeguard the support given to the 21,000 existing recipients of the discretionary fund.

Social Security Benefits: Disability

Nadine Dorries: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people in  (a) Bedfordshire and  (b) Mid Bedfordshire constituency were in receipt of (i) disability living allowance, (ii) incapacity benefit and (iii) employment and support allowance on the most recent date for which figures are available.

Chris Grayling: The information is provided in the following table:
	
		
			  Employment support allowance claimants, incapacity benefit/severe disablement allowance, and disability living allowance, November 2009 
			  Number 
			   ESA  IB/SDA  DLA 
			 Mid Bedfordshire parliamentary constituency 350 1,590 2,770 
			 Unitary authorities in Bedfordshire 950 9,460 13,680 
			  Notes: 1. Incapacity benefit was replaced by employment support allowance (ESA) from October 2008. 2. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10, some additional disclosure has been applied. 3. Caseload for DLA show the number of people in receipt of an allowance, and exclude people with entitlement where the payment has been suspended, for example if they are in hospital. 4. Constituencies used are for the Westminster Parliament of May 2010. 5. IB/SDA 'claimants' include people in receipt of benefit and also those who fail the contributions conditions but receive a national insurance credit, i.e. 'credits only cases'. 6. The figures for unitary authorities in Bedfordshire are the total of Bedford and Central Bedfordshire UA's and reflect the boundary changes from April 2009.  Source:  DWP Information Directorate Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study 100% data.

Social Security Benefits: Disability

Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people in Rutherglen and Hamilton West constituency are in receipt of  (a) incapacity benefit,  (b) disability living allowance and  (c) employment and support allowance.

Chris Grayling: The information is provided in the following table:
	
		
			  Employment support allowance claimants, incapacity benefit/severe disablement allowance, and disability living allowance, November 2009 
			  Number 
			  Parliamentary constituency  IB/SDA  ESA  DLA 
			 Rutherglen and Hamilton West 6,360 1,100 8,940 
			  Notes: 1. Incapacity benefit was replaced by employment support allowance (ESA) from October 2008. 2. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10, some additional disclosure has been applied. 3. Caseload for DLA show the number of people in receipt of an allowance, and exclude people with entitlement where the payment has been suspended, for example if they are in hospital. 4. Constituencies used are for the Westminster Parliament of May 2010. 5. IB/SDA 'claimants' include people in receipt of benefit and also those who fail the contributions conditions but receive a national insurance credit, i.e. 'credits only cases'.  Source: DWP Information Directorate Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study 100% data.

Social Security Benefits: Married People

Patrick Mercer: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many spouses of designated persons have previously  (a) applied for and  (b) been refused state benefits.

Maria Miller: The information is not available. Benefit would only be refused where the relevant entitlement conditions are not met.

State Retirement Pensions

Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will bring forward proposals to raise the basic state pension by the  (a) change in (i) average earnings or (ii) each price index or  (b) 2.5 per cent., whichever is higher, in (A) 2012, (B) 2013 and (C) 2014.

Steve Webb: The coalition Government are providing a triple guarantee that the basic state pension will rise each year by the highest of earnings, prices or 2.5%.
	For 2011, we will additionally ensure that the increase will not be lower than it would have been under the previous uprating arrangements.

Trade Unions

Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how much his Department and its predecessors has paid to trade unions in each year since 1997; and what estimate he has made of the monetary value of facilities provided by his Department and its predecessor for use by trade unions in each year since 1997.

Chris Grayling: Since 1997 the Department and its predecessors have paid no monies to trade unions.
	The information requested on the value of facilities provided by the Department and its predecessor for use by trade unions in each year since 1997 is not available and could be provided only at disproportionate costs.

Trade Unions

Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many paid manpower hours civil servants in his Department and its predecessors spent on trade union-related duties and activities in each year since 1997.

Chris Grayling: This specific information is not readily available and could be provided only at disproportionate costs.
	Under the Corporate Employee Relations Framework, which sets out the maximum amount of time we will allow trade union representatives to undertake their trade unions activity. The Department for Work and Pensions allows a total resource of 0.2% of the Department's overall whole time equivalent staffing headcount as at the 1 April each year. Out of a total of 21,134,300 staff days this was 42,460 days for the year commencing 1 June 2009 to 31 May 2010.

Trade Unions

Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many civil servants in his Department and its predecessors spent the equivalent of  (a) five days or fewer,  (b) five to 10 days,  (c) 10 to 15 days,  (d) 15 to 20 days,  (e) 20 to 25 days and  (f) 25 days or more on trade union-related activities or duties while being paid salaries from the public purse in each year since 1997.

Chris Grayling: This information is not readily available and could be provided only at disproportionate costs.

Unemployment

Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what forecast the Office for Budget Responsibility has made of those unemployed  (a) for less than six months,  (b) between six and 12 months,  (c) between 12 and 24 months and  (d) over 24 months in each year from 2010.

Justine Greening: holding answer 28 June 2010
	I have been asked to reply.
	The official forecast produced by the Office for Budget Responsibility does not include a breakdown of ILO unemployment by duration of unemployment.

Unemployment Benefits: Greater London

Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  how many problem drug user residents in  (a) Greater London,  (b) the London Borough of Enfield and  (c) Enfield North constituency received each out of work benefit in each year since 2005;
	(2)  what estimate he has made of the number of people in  (a) Greater London,  (b) the London Borough of Enfield and  (c) Enfield North constituency who are unable to work as a result of (i) alcohol and (ii) drug dependency and who are in receipt of out of work benefits.

Chris Grayling: Drug and alcohol addiction is one of the most damaging root causes of poverty. Helping people who are trapped on benefits through drug and alcohol addiction so that they can recover and find employment is a top priority for the Government.
	Drug or alcohol dependency does not of itself confer entitlement to incapacity benefits. To qualify for incapacity benefit/severe disablement allowance, claimants have to undertake a medical assessment of incapacity for work which is called the personal capability assessment. This assesses the effects of a person's condition on their ability to carry out a number of everyday activities relevant to work. People with a recorded diagnosis of alcohol or drug dependency may have other diagnoses, for example mental illness, which result in their incapacity for work. Causes of incapacity are based on the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, published by the World Health Organisation:
	http://www.who.int/classifications/icd/en/
	A breakdown by medical condition is only available for incapacity benefit/severe disablement allowance. Details of medical condition are not available for the other out-of-work benefits. The available information is in the tables.
	
		
			  The number of working age claimants of incapacity benefit/severe disablement allowance whose main disabling condition is recorded as drug abuse 2005-09 
			   London government office region  Enfield local authority  Enfield North parliamentary constituency 
			 November 2005 6,670 130 60 
			 November 2006 6,680 140 60 
			 November 2007 6,930 130 50 
			 November 2008 6,750 150 50 
			 November 2009 5,800 130 50 
			  Notes: 1. Data are rounded to the nearest 10. 2. Incapacity benefit was replaced by employment support allowance from October 2008. This will account for some of the change in numbers of incapacity benefit and severe disablement allowance claimants between November 2008 and November 2009 whose main disabling condition was recorded as drug abuse. 3. Benefit data reflect the pre-2005 parliamentary constituency boundaries as the provision of a time series based on the 2010 parliamentary constituency boundary changes would incur disproportionate cost. 4. Future published benefit data will reflect the 2010 parliamentary constituencies from May 2010. These data will be published from November 2010 onwards.  Source: DWP Information Directorate 100 per cent Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study 
		
	
	
		
			  The number of working age claimants of incapacity benefit/severe disablement allowance whose main disabling condition is recorded as drug abuse or alcoholism-November 2009 
			   Alcoholism  Drug Abuse 
			 Enfield local authority 80 130 
			 Enfield North parliamentary constituency 30 40 
			  Notes: 1. Data are rounded to the nearest 10. 2. Incapacity benefit was replaced by employment support allowance from October 2008. 3. Enfield parliamentary constituency figures take account of the boundary changes from May 2010. The most up to date available data are for November 2009, and the figures have been processed to reflect the 2010 parliamentary constituency boundary changes. 4. Future published benefit data will reflect the 2010 parliamentary constituencies from May 2010. These data will be published from November 2010 onwards.  Source: DWP Information Directorate 100 per cent Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study. 
		
	
	
		
			  Estimated number of working age claimants who are problem drug users by benefit type in England in 2006 
			   Number 
			 Jobseeker's allowance 66,000 
			 Incapacity benefit 87,000 
			 Income support 146,000 
			 Disability living allowance 25,000 
			 Total in receipt of one or more of the above benefits 267,000 
			  Notes: 1. The figures are derived from estimates of the number of recipients of each main benefit who are problem drug users. Those individuals who receive disability-related benefits and declare their drug use are a sub-set of this larger group. 2. Figures are rounded to the nearest thousand. 3. The sum of the component benefits is greater than the total because claimants can be in receipt of one or more benefits at the same time. 4. Problem drug users are defined as those who use opiates (e.g. heroin) and/or crack cocaine and include those who are in treatment for their dependency. 5. Disability living allowance can be claimed by people who are both in and out of work. 6. The copy of the working paper by Hay and Bauld can be found in the House of Commons Library, and can also be accessed at: http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd5/WP46.pdf  Source: Population estimates of problematic drug users in England who access Department for Work and Pensions benefits: A feasibility study, Working Paper No. 46, Hay, G. and Bauld, L. 2008

Unemployment Benefits: Peterborough

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  how many problem drug users resident in  (a) the East of England,  (b) Peterborough city council area and  (c) Peterborough constituency received each out of work benefit in each year since 2005;
	(2)  what estimate he has made of the number of people in  (a) Peterborough constituency and  (b) the Peterborough city council area who are unable to work and in receipt of out of work benefits as a result of (i) alcohol and (ii) drug dependency; and if he will make a statement.

Chris Grayling: Drug and alcohol addiction is one of the most damaging root causes of poverty. Helping people who are trapped on benefits through drug and alcohol addiction so that they can recover and find employment is a top priority for the Government.
	Drug or alcohol dependency does not of itself confer entitlement to incapacity benefits. To qualify for incapacity benefit/severe disablement allowance, claimants have to undertake a medical assessment of incapacity for work which is called the personal capability assessment. This assesses the effects of a person's condition on their ability to carry out a number of everyday activities relevant to work. People with a recorded diagnosis of alcohol or drug dependency may have other diagnoses, for example mental illness, which result in their incapacity for work. Causes of incapacity are based on the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, published by the World Health Organisation
	http://www.who.int/classifications/icd/en/
	A breakdown by medical condition is only available for incapacity benefit/severe disablement allowance. Details of medical condition are not available for the other out-of-work benefits. The available information is in the tables.
	
		
			  The number of working age claimants of incapacity benefit/severe disablement allowance whose main disabling condition is recorded as drug abuse, 2005 to 2009. 
			  November  East of England  Peterborough local authority  Peterborough parliamentary constituency 
			 2005 2,550 130 90 
			 2006 2,600 130 90 
			 2007 2,780 150 100 
			 2008 2,840 170 110 
			 2009 2,340 150 90 
			  Notes:  1. Data are rounded to the nearest 10.  2. Incapacity benefit was replaced by employment support allowance from October 2008. This will account for some of the change in numbers of incapacity benefit/severe disablement allowance claimants between November 2008 and November 2009 whose main disabling condition was recorded as drug abuse.  3. Benefit data reflect the pre-2005 parliamentary constituency boundaries as the provision of a time series based on the 2010 parliamentary constituency boundary changes would incur disproportionate cost.  4. Future published benefit data will reflect the 2010 parliamentary constituencies from May 2010. This data will be published from November 2010 onwards.  Source: DWP Information Directorate 100% Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study. 
		
	
	
		
			  The number of working age claimants of incapacity benefit/severe disablement allowance whose main disabling condition is recorded as drug abuse or alcoholism, November 2009. 
			   Alcoholism  Drug abuse 
			 Peterborough local authority 90 150 
			 Peterborough parliamentary constituency 70 100 
			  Notes:  1. Data are rounded to the nearest 10.  2. Incapacity benefit was replaced by employment support allowance from October 2008.  3. Peterborough parliamentary constituency figures take account of the boundary changes from May 2010. The most up to date available data are for November 2009, and the figures have been processed to reflect the 2010 parliamentary constituency boundary changes.  4. Future published benefit data will reflect the 2010 parliamentary constituencies from May 2010. These data will be published from November 2010 onwards.  Source:  DWP Information Directorate 100% Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study. 
		
	
	
		
			  Estimated number of working age claimants who are problem drug users by benefit type in England in 2006. 
			  Benefit  Estimated number 
			 Jobseeker's Allowance 66,000 
			 Incapacity Benefit 87,000 
			 Income Support 146,000 
			 Disability Living Allowance 25,000 
			 Total in receipt of one or more of the above benefits 267,000 
			  Notes:  1. The figures are estimates of the number of recipients of each main benefit who are problem drug users. Those individuals who receive disability-related benefits and declare their drug use are a sub-set of this larger group.  2. Figures are rounded to the nearest thousand.  3. The sum of the component benefits is greater than the total because claimants can be in receipt of one or more benefits at the same time.  4. Problem drug users are defined as those who use opiates (e.g. heroin) and/or crack cocaine and include those who are in treatment for their dependency.  5. Disability living allowance can be claimed by people who are both in and out of work.  6. The copy of the working paper by Hay and Bauld can be found in the House of Commons Library, and can also be accessed at:  http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd5/WP46.pdf  Source:  Population estimates of problematic drug users in England who access Department for Work and Pensions benefits: A feasibility study, Working Paper No. 46, Hay, G. & Bauld, L. 2008.

Unemployment: Holborn

Frank Dobson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people resident in Holborn and St Pancras constituency have been unemployed for more than a year.

Nick Hurd: I have been asked to reply.
	The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply.
	 Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated July 2010:
	As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking how many people in Holborn and St Pancras constituency have been unemployed for more than a year. (11935)
	The Office for National Statistics (ONS) compiles unemployment statistics in line with International Labour Organisation (ILO) definitions for local areas from the Annual Population Survey (APS). However, due to the small sample size, no reasonable estimate is available for Holbom and St Pancras constituency.
	As an alternative we can provide the number of persons claiming Jobseeker's Allowance for more than 52 weeks. In June 2010 the number of these in the Holborn and St Pancras constituency was 670.
	National and local area estimates for many labour market statistics, including employment, unemployment and claimant count are available on the NOMIS website at:
	http://www.nomisweb.co.uk

Vulnerable Adults: Home Visits

Angela Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether he plans to maintain the number of home visits to vulnerable clients undertaken by Pension, Disability and Carers Service local service at its current level.

Steve Webb: Following a strategic review, the future visiting service will be more directly targeted only on vulnerable customers with particular needs which cannot be met in more cost effective ways. The service will also be expanded to support all of the Department's vulnerable customers. While this strategy is expected to widen the customer base and align the service offering across the Department, more effective targeting and movement of some of the current customer base to lower cost channels is expected to reduce the number of future customers needing a face to face service and subsequently the number of visits.

Work Capability Assessment

Ann Clwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions which private companies carry out the work capability assessment on behalf of his Department; and how much has been paid to each for this work to date.

Chris Grayling: Following open, competitive tender, the Department for Work and Pensions re-awarded Atos Origin IT Services Ltd, trading as Atos Healthcare, a new contract to perform medical services on behalf of the Department from 1 September 2005. The total cost of these services amounts to approximately £100 million per annum. This figure not only covers the total number of examinations undertaken across all benefits, but also costs relating to written and verbal medical advice, fixed overheads, administrative costs, investment in new technology and other service improvements.

Work Capability Assessment

Ann Clwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what proportion of people in  (a) the UK,  (b) Wales and  (c) Cynon Valley constituency who underwent the work capability assessment in the last 12 months was judged fit for work; how many appeals against such determinations were initiated; and how many such appeals were successful.

Chris Grayling: Between June 2009 and May 2010, 66% of people who completed the Work Capability Assessment in the UK were found Fit for Work. The equivalent figure for Wales is 63%. This information is not available for the Cynon Valley constituency.
	Appeals data are not available for the period June 2009 and May 2010. For new ESA claims received in the UK between October 2008 and June 2009, where the claimant was found Fit for Work, has appealed the Department's decision and has had an appeal heard by May 2010, 40% of these appeals found in favour of the appellant. The equivalent figure for Wales is 36%. This information is not available for the Cynon Valley constituency.
	Due to the time it takes for appeals to be submitted to the Tribunals Service and heard, it is likely that there are more appeals that have not yet been heard.

Work Capability Assessment

Ann Clwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people in  (a) the UK,  (b) Wales and  (c) Cynon Valley constituency have undergone the work capability assessment as part of a claim for employment and support allowance to date.

Chris Grayling: In the UK, there have been 496,200 completed Work Capability Assessments from October 2008 up to the end of May 2010. The equivalent figure for Wales is 29,100. This information is not available for the Cynon Valley constituency.

Work Capability Assessment

Ann Clwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 19 July 2010,  Official Report, column 13W, on the Work Programme, who the members are of the review of the work capability assessment.

Chris Grayling: The Internal Review of the Work Capability Assessment led by the Department was published on 29 March 2010. The review engaged with medical and other experts and disability representative groups and found that generally the assessment accurately identifies individuals for benefit. Those consulted as part of the review included representatives from:
	Citizens Advice;
	The Disability Benefits Consortium;
	The Disability Employment Advisory Council;
	Mencap;
	MIND;
	The National Autistic Society;
	The Parkinson's Disease Society;
	The Royal College of Psychiatrists;
	RNIB;
	RNID;
	RSI Action;
	Atos Origin Medical Services;
	The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development;
	The Social Security Advisory Committee; and
	Senior health care professionals from the fields of psychiatry, neurological disability/rehabilitation; occupational and psychological medicine.

Work Capability Assessment

Ann Clwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 19 July 2010,  Official Report, column 10W, on disabled people (work), if he will publish the results of the review of the work capability assessment led by his Department.

Chris Grayling: The Internal Review of the Work Capability Assessment led by the Department was published on 29 March. A copy of the Report and the associated Addendum, which was published at the same time, have been placed in the Library.

HEALTH

Abortion: Death

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  how many women are known to have died within one month of operations for termination of pregnancy notified under the Abortion Regulations 1991, as amended, in each year since 1980; and what cause of death was recorded on the death certificate in each case;
	(2)  what research his Department has  (a) undertaken and  (b) evaluated on the number of women who died following complications from a legal abortion; when his Department last undertook an evidence review of the number of women who died following complications from a legal abortion that drew on (i) UK and (ii) international research; and if he will make a statement.

Anne Milton: Data on deaths from abortion from 1979 to 2005 can be found in the following table. The maternal death data are currently published in a triennial cycle and 2006-08 data will be published in March next year.
	All of the maternal deaths following a legal abortion reported to the Centre for Maternal and Child Enquiries have undergone a full review.
	
		
			  Causes of death for maternal deaths from legal and illegal abortions 1979 to 2005 (all causes taken from report vignettes unless otherwise stated) 
			   Number  Cause of death 
			  Legal abortions   
			 1979-81 5 Pulmonary embolism (4)(1) 
			   Sepsis (1)(1) 
			
			 1982-84 7  
			
			 1985-87 1 Air embolism (1) 
			
			 1988-90 3 Haemorrhage (1) 
			   Septic shock (1) 
			   Severe bronchospasm (1) 
			
			 1991-93 5 Endotoxic shock (1)(1) 
			   Laparotomy, perforation of the uterus (1) 
			   Adult respiratory distress syndrome, DIC, infection with bacteriodes melaminogenicus (1) 
			   Laparotomy, perforation of the uterus, haematoma (1) 
			   Clostridium Welchi infection (1) 
			
			 1994-96 1 Holes in the jejunum, faecal peritonitis (1) 
			
			 1997-99 2 Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (1) 
			   DIC, multiple organ failure (1) 
			
			 2000-02 3 Cause of death unclear 
			
			 2003-05 1 Severe anaemia from haemorrhage from retained products (1) 
			
			  Illegal  abortions   
			 1979-81 1 Sepsis (1) 
			
			 1982-84 0 - 
			
			 1985-87 0 - 
			
			 1988-90 0 - 
			
			 1991-93 0 - 
			
			 1994-96 0 - 
			
			 1997-99 0 - 
			
			 2000-02 0 - 
			
			 2003-05 1 Unclear, unusual trauma in genital tract, unusual organism found. 
			 (1) Taken from report as final cause of death  Source: The data are from the maternal death enquiry run by CMACE (Centre for Maternal and Child Enquiries) specifically from the Why Mothers Die triennial report (prior to 2003) and Saving Mothers Lives triennial report (2003-2005). 
		
	
	We have confirmed with the National Institute for Health Research that there is no specific funded research or evidence review in this area. However, the Department has commissioned the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists to review and update their 2004 guidance 'The Care of Women Requesting Induced Abortion'. The aim of the guidance is to ensure that all women considering induced abortion have access to a service of uniformly high quality.

Accident and Emergency Departments

Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions he has had with NHS London on future hospital and accident and emergency provision in London.

Simon Burns: There has been no discussions with NHS London on future hospital and accident and emergency provision in London. In future, all service changes must be led by clinicians and patients, not be driven from the top down.
	The Government have outlined new, strengthened criteria that it expects decisions on national health service service changes to meet. The local NHS are considering the impact of these criteria in their area and local communities are establishing how this work will be taken forward.

Accident and Emergency Departments: Patients

Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients attended each accident and emergency department in London  (a) in each of the last three years and  (b) in 2010 on the latest date for which figures are available.

Simon Burns: Information is not collected in the format requested.
	The following table sets out the number of first attendances at accident and emergency departments, minor injury units and walk in centres in London national health service organisations from April 2007 to March 2010. The data is collected by provider trust rather than by department and is the latest published data available.
	
		
			  First attendances at accident and emergency (A&E) departments, minor injury units and walk in centres, London NHS organisations April 2007 to March 2010 
			  Organisation name  2007-08  2008-09  2009-10 
			 Total 3,697,022 3,780,506 3,980,549 
			 
			 Havering Primary Care Trust 36,048 37,176 42,687 
			 Barnet Primary Care Trust 72,230 78,570 89,886 
			 Hillingdon Primary Care Trust - 30,512 30,517 
			 Barking and Dagenham Primary Care Trust 38,608 54,622 56,726 
			 City and Hackney Teaching Primary Care Trust 9,124 10,415 16,010 
			 Tower Hamlets Primary Care Trust 44,697 43,108 45,523 
			 Newham Primary Care Trust 50,461 39,637 47,835 
			 Haringey Teaching Primary Care Trust 31,349 36,640 35,349 
			 Hammersmith and Fulham Primary Care Trust 19,595 14,058 20,751 
			 Kensington and Chelsea Primary Care Trust 13,903 14,620 14,577 
			 Westminster Primary Care Trust 27,455 27,556 29,386 
			 Wandsworth Primary Care Trust 13,649 45,241 77,652 
			 Richmond and Twickenham Primary Care Trust 47,362 46,786 46,675 
			 Redbridge Primary Care Trust 5,092 33,688 36,875 
			 Waltham Forest Primary Care Trust 48,332 45,147 54,169 
			 Royal Free Hampstead NHS Trust 74,002 77,308 85,746 
			 North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust 108,822 107,902 110,431 
			 The Hillingdon Hospital NHS Trust 123,086 96,030 100,224 
			 Kingston Hospital NHS Trust 97,439 100,540 104,405 
			 Ealing Hospital NHS Trust 100,967 98,324 98,812 
			 Barking, Havering and Redbridge Hospitals NHS Trust 194,654 177,625 181,890 
			 West Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust 91,474 90,291 94,928 
			 Queen Elizabeth Hospital NHS Trust 99,534 98,224 - 
			 Bromley Hospitals NHS Trust 84,202 84,162 - 
			 Whipps Cross University Hospital NHS Trust 86,281 92,947 98,484 
			 Queen Mary's Sidcup NHS Trust 74,060 80,273 - 
			 Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust 147,257 144,627 154,214 
			 The Lewisham Hospital NHS Trust 140,556 126,564 125,471 
			 St Mary's Hospital NHS Trust 56,796 - - 
			 Mayday Healthcare NHS Trust 151,498 151,768 154,389 
			 St George's Healthcare NHS Trust 156,808 133,430 111,087 
			 King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust 111,880 135,476 143,474 
			 The Whittington Hospital NHS Trust 89,231 86,991 92,792 
			 Newham University Hospital NHS Trust 83,042 88,496 66,924 
			 Baits and The London NHS Trust 117,109 119,453 124,879 
			 Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust 58,671 64,487 69,383 
			 Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust 97,688 97,574 100,746 
			 The Hammersmith Hospitals NHS Trust 49,081 - - 
			 Homerton University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust 108,857 108,868 111,957 
			 University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 94,962 93,558 100,715 
			 North West London Hospitals NHS Trust 197,273 207,819 244,445 
			 Barnet and Chase Farm Hospitals NHS Trust 145,965 150,072 149,780 
			 Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust 128,108 129,786 135,998 
			 Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust 102,581 208,057 227,639 
			 South London Healthcare NHS Trust - - 274,634 
			 IS Walk-in Centres with a Commuter Focus 67,233 72,078 72,484 
			  Notes: 1. Information is not collected on the number of patients treated at A&E departments. However, data on the number of attendances at A&E departments are available and published quarterly via the Department of Health's Quarterly Monitoring Accident and Emergency Services (QMAE) dataset. This includes patients who attended A&E but who were not subsequently treated and counts each attendance by the same patient separately. 2. Certain organisations merged during the submission periods of QMAE. These include:  Closed in September 2007 (merge): St Mary's Hospital NHS Trust The Hammersmith Hospitals NHS Trust  Opened October 2007: Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust  Closed in March 2009 (merge): Queen Mary's Sidcup NHS Trust Bromley Hospitals NHS Trust Queen Elizabeth Hospital NHS Trust  Opened April 2009: South London Healthcare NHS Trust 3. Primary care trusts manage services at Type 3 A&E Units (minor injury units, and walk-in centres) and also commission these services from the independent sector.  Source: Department of Health's Quarterly Monitoring Accident and Emergency Services (QMAE) dataset

Alcoholic Drinks: Labelling

Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will bring forward proposals for compulsory labelling of alcoholic drinks with  (a) information on the number of units the drink contains,  (b) daily safe drinking limits,  (c) a message about responsible drinking,  (d) a health warning for pregnant women and  (e) the website address for the Drinkaware Trust.

Anne Milton: A public consultation on options for improving health information on the labels of alcoholic drinks closed on 31 May. The responses to this exercise are now being analysed and it would be inappropriate for us to pre-empt the findings. We will set out our plans for next steps, in the coming months.

Asbestos: Diseases

Stephen Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  if he will  (a) support and  (b) provide funding for the establishment of a national centre for asbestos-related diseases;
	(2)  how much he plans to spend on research into asbestos-related diseases in the next three years;
	(3)  what his policy is on increasing expenditure on research into asbestos-related diseases.

Simon Burns: The Department has asked the National Cancer Research Institute to carry out a review of research in mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. The outcome of the review will inform the future strategies and work of the Institute's partner funders, and help develop the potential to build research capacity and increase research investment in asbestos-related diseases. The review is due to report in the autumn.
	The National Institute for Health Research and the Medical Research Council both welcome applications for support into any aspect of human health and these are subject to peer review and judged in open competition, with awards being made on the basis of the scientific quality of the proposals submitted. Future levels of expenditure on research in asbestos-related diseases will be determined by the success of relevant bids for funding.

Care Quality Commission: Fees

Sarah Newton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether he plans to assess the merits of  (a) a discount and  (b) an exemption scheme for non-profit organisations and charities as part of his Department's consultation on the registration fees charge by the Care Quality Commission.

Simon Burns: The Care Quality Commission is responsible for setting the level of registration fees payable by different providers.
	The Commission intends to consult on its proposals for registration fees that will apply from April 2011 in the autumn. Final proposals for registration fees will be subject to the consent of the Secretary of State for Health.

CJD

Michael Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what compensation his Department has paid to  (a) individuals affected by variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and  (b) their families in each year since 1996.

Anne Milton: Compensation for patients suffering from variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD), and their families, has been available since 2001. In total, £67.5 million has been made available to cover the needs of the first 250 patients and their families. This sum has been paid into the vCJD Trust, which disburses funds in line with the terms of its Trust Deed.
	As at 11 June 2010, the Trust had paid £38,705,147.16 in compensation in relation to a total of 175 vCJD patients. A breakdown between patients and their families is not readily available. The totals of payments made in each year are as follows:
	
		
			  Period  Total compensation (£) 
			 10 April 2001 - 14 March 2002 13,098,333.33 
			 15 March 2002 - 5 April 2003 7,334,176.66 
			 Year ending 5 April 2004 6,145,738.07 
			 Year ending 5 April 2005 3,090,429.47 
			 Year ending 5 April 2006 3,621,644.14 
			 Year ending 5 April 2007 3,360,026.63 
			 Year ending 5 April 2008 870,734.25 
			 Year ending 5 April 2009 724,841.69 
			 Year ending 5 April 2010 429,224.92

CJD

Michael Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what funding his Department has provided for research into variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in each year since 1996.

Anne Milton: Expenditure by the Department on research into variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is shown in the table.
	
		
			   £ million 
			 1996-97 0.3 
			 1997-98 1.1 
			 1998-99 2.1 
			 1999-2000 4.7 
			 2000-01 4.0 
			 2001-02 4.0 
			 2002-03 6.1 
			 2003-04 7.2 
			 2004-05 6.0 
			 2005-06 4.3 
			 2006-07 3.9 
			 2007-08 5.7 
			 2008-09 5.1 
			 2009-10 4.8

Cystic Fibrosis: Prescriptions

Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will bring forward proposals for an exemption from payment of prescription charges for cystic fibrosis patients.

Simon Burns: Decisions on any future changes to the system of prescription charges and exemptions in England would need to be taken in the context of the next spending review, which is due to report in the autumn. In the meantime, there are no plans to make any changes to the current list of conditions which are exempt from prescription charges.

Departmental Billing

Jeremy Lefroy: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of payments made by his Department to  (a) small and medium-sized enterprise suppliers and  (b) all suppliers were made (i) within 10 days of receipt of invoice and (ii) on the agreed payment terms in the last three months for which information is available.

Simon Burns: The Department of Health does not differentiate between small and medium sized enterprises and other creditors. It is the intention of the Department to pay all suppliers as soon as is practicable after receipt of a valid invoice, regardless of their size.
	The percentage of invoices paid within 10 days of receipt of invoice and on the agreed payment terms in the last three months are shown in the following table.
	
		
			   Percentage of invoices paid within 10 days  Percentage of invoices paid within 30 days( 1) 
			 April 2010 94.14 99.55 
			 May 2010 95.66 98.68 
			 June 2010 96.61 99.07 
			 (1) The Department has a standard payment term that states that payment shall be due 30 days after receipt of the goods or the correct invoice, whichever is the later.

Departmental Internet

Damian Hinds: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much  (a) his Department and  (b) its agencies spent on search engine biasing with (i) Google and (ii) other search engines in each of the last five years.

Simon Burns: The Department has a corporate website:
	www.dh.gov.uk
	and also manages NHS Choices:
	www.nhs.uk
	the official health information portal for the public.
	The Department's corporate website does not invest in any paid search activity. In line with Government policy, NHS Choices no longer has any arrangement, or pays for any search engine activity.
	No commitments have been made with Google or any other search provider for 'pay per click' online marketing since the moratorium on marketing spend was put in place on 24 May 2010.
	NHS Choices used paid search activity to ensure that it reaches the widest possible audience, and that users can easily find clinically assured health information and access the services they need from Government.
	Paid search activity was a key component of several major campaigns for the Department in 2009-10, including our anti-smoking and pandemic flu campaigns, to reach as large an audience as possible.
	The Department spent £2.93 million and £1.48 million on paid search activity in 2009-10 and 2008-09 respectively. A breakdown of this spend by search engine is not readily available and can be obtained only at a disproportionate cost. Likewise, data for the three years preceding 2008-09 can be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
	The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has not spent any money with Google or other search engines.

Departmental Parliamentary Questions

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will place in the Library a copy of the internal background note prepared for the response to each Parliamentary question tabled by the hon. Member for Southend West and answered by his Department since 5 June 2010.

Anne Milton: The information requested has been placed in the Library.

Departmental Parliamentary Questions

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will place in the Library a copy of the internal background note prepared for the response to each parliamentary question tabled by the hon. Member for Southend West and answered by his Department in  (a) June and  (b) July 2009.

Anne Milton: The information requested has been placed in the Library.

Departmental Travel

Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate his Department has made of its expenditure on travel undertaken in an official capacity by each Minister in his Department in (i) May 2010 and (ii) June 2010.

Simon Burns: Based on invoices the Department has received, the estimated expenditure is in the region of the figures in the following table.
	
		
			  £ 
			  Minister  May 2010  June 2010 
			 Secretary of State for Health (Mr Andrew Lansley) 4,246.22 9,684.85 
			 Minister of State for Health (Mr Simon Burns) 3,058.65 8,644.52 
			 Minister of State for Care Services (Mr Paul Burstow) 2,796.17 5,996.93 
			 Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Anne Milton) 5,190.77 8,280.83 
			 Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Earl Howe) 3,624.02 7,195.98 
		
	
	The existing Government Care Service contracts, which were subject to a 90-day contract termination period, end on 19 August 2010. All ministerial travel is undertaken in accordance with the Ministerial Code.

Doctors: Working Hours

Eric Ollerenshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent representations he has received on the application of the EU Working Time Directive to the working hours of surgeons and trainee surgeons; and if he will make a statement.

Simon Burns: The coalition Government are committed to 'limit the application of the working time directive in the United Kingdom'. Ministers at the Department have discussed the impact of the application of the working time directive on the working hours of surgeons and trainee surgeons specifically or in relation to other matters on a number of occasions.
	 Meetings :
	18 May 2010: Telephone conversation between the Secretary of State and John Black (President of the Royal College of Surgeons)
	7 June 2010: Presentation of Sir John Temples report "Time for Training" to the Secretary of State (Medical Education England Chair and Managing Director Sir Christopher Edwards and Chris Outram attending)
	9 June 2010: Meeting between the Secretary of State and John Black
	13 July 2010: Meeting between Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Lords) and John Black (Dr P. Hamilton, Department of Health, Director Medical Education attending).
	 Correspondence :
	21 May 2010, 27 May 2010 and 15 June 2010: John Black to Secretary of State
	26 May 2010: Secretary of State to John Black.

Epilepsy: Nurses

Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what information his Department 
	(1)  has on the number of epilepsy specialist nurses transferred partially or in full to general nursing duties in the latest period for which figures are available;
	(2)  holds on the ratio of children with epilepsy to paediatric epilepsy specialist nurses.

Paul Burstow: We have no information on the number of specialist epilepsy nurses that have been transferred to general nursing duties.
	Information on the ratio of children with epilepsy to the number of paediatric specialist epilepsy nurses is not collected centrally.
	The Healthcare Quality Improvement Partnership, which receives its funding from the Department, has commissioned a national clinical audit of childhood epilepsy to support local health services to evaluate clinical practice and to stimulate service improvement. One of the measures the audit will use will be the percentage of children with epilepsy with evidence of input by an epilepsy specialist nurse within one year. Data collection is due to start in the autumn of 2010 at early adopter sites, with a national roll out to follow soon after. The audit is being coordinated by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health.

Foetal Tissue

David Burrowes: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many foetuses have been used for the purposes of research in the last five years; which clinics have supplied foetal remains for research in the last five years; and if he will make a statement.

Anne Milton: This information is not collected centrally. The law governing the use of foetal tissue for research purposes is the Human Tissue Act 2004. It does not distinguish between foetal tissue and other tissue from the living. Foetal tissue is regarded as the mother's tissue.
	he Human Tissue Act 2004 requires that the storage of human tissue for research, and other "scheduled purposes" is licensed. The regulator responsible for licensing is the Human Tissue Authority (HTA). It has published a series of codes of practice on key activities involving human tissue, including consent (Code of Practice 1) and research (Code of Practice 9). The HTA has no role in approving individual research projects, and information on the number of foetuses used in research is not collected centrally.

Food Standards Agency

Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what consideration he gave to the final recommendations of the Calman Commission on Scottish Devolution in deciding to change the function of the Food Standards Agency.

Anne Milton: Officials were made aware of the report by the Commission on Scottish Devolution "Serving Scotland Better: Scotland and the United Kingdom in the 21(st) Century", published in June 2009, during discussions about the transfer of nutrition policy from the Food Standards Agency to the Department.

Food Standards Agency: Public Consultation

Michael Meacher: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what projects on public attitudes to organic agriculture the Food Standards Agency has funded since 1997; what the  (a) topic,  (b) start date,  (c) cost and  (d) project code was of each such project; who the main contractor was in each case; and which such projects have been completed.

James Paice: I have been asked to reply.
	I am advised that the Food Standards Agency has not specifically funded any projects on public attitudes to organic agriculture. However, organic food has been addressed in a number of consumer surveys conducted by the agency, but it should be noted that they were only addressed to a small extent as the surveys cover a wide range of food related issues. These surveys are available on the agency's website at
	www.food.gov.uk

Food Standards Agency: Public Consultation

Michael Meacher: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what projects on organic agriculture the Food Standards Agency has funded since 1997; what the  (a) topic,  (b) start date,  (c) cost and  (d) project code was of each such project; who the main contractor was in each case; and which such projects have been completed.

James Paice: I have been asked to reply.
	I am advised that the Food Standards Agency has funded three projects on organic agriculture since its inception in 2000 and all have been completed. Details of these projects are listed in the following table.
	
		
			  Topic  Start date  Cost (£)  Project code  Main contractor 
			 Systematic review of differences in nutrient content of organically and conventionally produced food February 2008 117,870 L01X01 London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine 
			 Verifying the authenticity of organically grown crops using stable nitrogen isotope analysis April 2002 203,818 Q01076 University of East Anglia 
			 Verification of organic meat production by detection of permitted and not-permitted uses of veterinary medicines June 2001 218,299 Q01047 Central Science Laboratory (now Food and Environment Research Agency) 
		
	
	Reports for all projects are published on the agency's open access repository, Foodbase, at
	http://www.foodbase.org.uk/index.php

General Practitioners

Adrian Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether he plans to issue guidance on the role of GPs in managing proposed health consortia.

Simon Burns: The White Paper, "Equity and Excellence: Liberating the NHS" (CM 7881) published on 12 July 2010, set out our proposals for transforming the quality of commissioning by devolving decision-making to local consortia of general practitioner (GP) practices.
	"Liberating the NHS: Commissioning for patients" published on 22 July provides further information on the intended arrangements for GP commissioning, providing the basis for fuller engagement with primary care professionals and the public.
	Copies of both publications are available in the Library.

General Practitioners: Registration

Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients are registered with GPs in each NHS district; and what recent estimate he has made of the number of eligible residents of each such district who are not registered with an NHS GP.

Simon Burns: The Department collects information regarding how many patients are registered with general practitioners by primary care trust (PCT) in England. This information for March 2010 is shown in the following table. The Department does not collect information on those who choose not to be registered.
	
		
			  Registered patients by PCT in England March 2010 
			   Number 
			 County Durham 532,645 
			 Darlington 105,817 
			 Gateshead 204,527 
			 Hartlepool 94,197 
			 Middlesbrough 152,429 
			 Newcastle 281,048 
			 North Tees 191,013 
			 North Tyneside 214,749 
			 Northumberland 321,180 
			 Redcar and Cleveland 134,372 
			 South Tyneside 154,930 
			 Sunderland Teaching 284,518 
			 Ashton, Leigh and Wigan 318,886 
			 Blackburn with Darwen 166,949 
			 Blackpool 152,293 
			 Bolton 291,201 
			 Bury 194,268 
			 Central and Eastern Cheshire 468,656 
			 Central Lancashire 469,653 
			 Cumbria 518,673 
			 East Lancashire 388,172 
			 Halton and St Helens 319,206 
			 Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale 222,104 
			 Knowsley 158,661 
			 Liverpool 486,836 
			 Manchester 545,418 
			 North Lancashire 339,531 
			 Oldham 237,638 
			 Salford 242,878 
			 Sefton 280,889 
			 Stockport 297,652 
			 Tameside and Glossop 238,566 
			 Trafford 231,769 
			 Warrington 205,854 
			 Western Cheshire 259,043 
			 Wirral 331,963 
			 Barnsley 243,929 
			 Bradford and Airedale 545,642 
			 Calderdale 210,248 
			 Doncaster 308,274 
			 East Riding of Yorkshire 314,792 
			 Hull 288,826 
			 Kirklees 418,972 
			 Leeds 811,698 
			 North East Lincolnshire 169,532 
			 North Lincolnshire 167,011 
			 North Yorkshire and York 798,504 
			 Rotherham 255,699 
			 Sheffield 565,539 
			 Wakefield District 350,926 
			 Bassetlaw 110,880 
			 Derby City 294,399 
			 Derbyshire County 713,156 
			 Leicester City 360,224 
			 Leicestershire County and Rutland 675,527 
			 Lincolnshire 744,097 
			 Northamptonshire 701,137 
			 Nottingham City 337,773 
			 Nottinghamshire County 667,221 
			 Birmingham East and North 444,861 
			 Coventry Teaching 359,256 
			 Dudley 314,552 
			 Heart of Birmingham Teaching 319,279 
			 Herefordshire 180,690 
			 North Staffordshire 210,652 
			 Sandwell 338,834 
			 Shropshire County 296,332 
			 Solihull 222,034 
			 South Birmingham 390,080 
			 South Staffordshire 616,949 
			 Stoke on Trent 279,616 
			 Telford and Wrekin 170,479 
			 Walsall Teaching 269,389 
			 Warwickshire 547,997 
			 Wolverhampton City 261,350 
			 Worcestershire 574,537 
			 Bedfordshire 430,095 
			 Cambridgeshire 619,928 
			 East and North Hertfordshire 583,199 
			 Great Yarmouth and Waveney 230,178 
			 Luton 208,706 
			 Mid Essex 377,278 
			 Norfolk 739,012 
			 North East Essex 324,799 
			 Peterborough 177,447 
			 South East Essex 362,585 
			 South West Essex 421,484 
			 Suffolk 614,410 
			 West Essex 285,566 
			 West Hertfordshire 587,589 
			 Barking and Dagenham 186,794 
			 Barnet 366,439 
			 Bexley 228,182 
			 Brent Teaching 354,814 
			 Bromley 324,061 
			 Camden 249,972 
			 City and Hackney Teaching 275,481 
			 Croydon 378,486 
			 Ealing 375,118 
			 Enfield 287,528 
			 Greenwich Teaching 266,444 
			 Hammersmith and Fulham 189,039 
			 Haringey Teaching 281,265 
			 Harrow 235,569 
			 Havering 254,029 
			 Hillingdon 273,372 
			 Hounslow 259,021 
			 Islington 213,221 
			 Kensington and Chelsea 189,074 
			 Kingston 190,176 
			 Lambeth 375,649 
			 Lewisham 301,136 
			 Newham 341,627 
			 Redbridge 270,290 
			 Richmond and Twickenham 198,900 
			 Southwark 316,493 
			 Sutton and Merton 391,773 
			 Tower Hamlets 255,720 
			 Waltham Forest 277,164 
			 Wandsworth 366,059 
			 Westminster 249,314 
			 Brighton and Hove City 300,806 
			 East Sussex Downs and Weald 347,468 
			 Eastern and Coastal Kent 768,170 
			 Hastings and Rother 182,732 
			 Medway 281,880 
			 Surrey 1,160,764 
			 West Kent 704,108 
			 West Sussex 822,077 
			 Berkshire East 421,281 
			 Berkshire West 499,321 
			 Buckinghamshire 529,013 
			 Hampshire 1,315,141 
			 Isle of Wight National Health Service 140,879 
			 Milton Keynes 256,514 
			 Oxfordshire 675,828 
			 Portsmouth City Teaching 212,219 
			 Southampton City 262,887 
			 Bath and North East Somerset 195,344 
			 Bournemouth and Poole 364,164 
			 Bristol 463,374 
			 Cornwall and Isles of Scilly 548,541 
			 Devon 762,737 
			 Dorset 399,886 
			 Gloucestershire 610,327 
			 North Somerset 208,318 
			 Plymouth Teaching 274,056 
			 Somerset 536,645 
			 South Gloucestershire 256,017 
			 Swindon 215,692 
			 Torbay 145,832 
			 Wiltshire 458,913 
			 Total England 54,894,497

Health Services

Adrian Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make an assessment of the potential role of  (a) secondary care professionals and  (b) nurses in commissioning health services.

Simon Burns: The White Paper, "Equity and Excellence: Liberating the NHS" published on the 12 July 2010, has set out our proposals for transforming the quality of commissioning by devolving decision-making to local consortia of general practitioner (GP) practices.
	"Liberating the NHS: Commissioning for patients" published on 22 July provides further information on the intended arrangements for GP commissioning. Given their key role in co-ordinating care, GPs are well placed to lead on commissioning care for patients. However we expect consortia to involve relevant health and social care professionals from all sectors, including secondary care professionals and nurses, in helping them design care pathways or care packages that achieve more integrated delivery of care.
	We will work with the national health service and professional bodies in the transition to the new arrangements of GP commissioning to promote multi-professional involvement.

Kidney Patients

Robert Buckland: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many kidney transplants there have been in each of the last five years; and how many such transplants were classified as successful.

Anne Milton: The following table shows the number of kidney transplants from living and deceased donors carried out in the United Kingdom from 1 April 2005 to 31 March 2010; and the percentage of patients where the graft had not failed at three months and 12 months.
	
		
			   Number of kidney only transplants  Percentage of Grafts surviving( 1) 
			  Deceased donor  Live donor 
			   Deceased donor  Live donor  Total  3 months  12 months  3 months  12 months 
			 
			 2005-06 1,204 589 1,793 95 93 97 96 
			 2006-07 1,257 690 1,947 95 93 97 97 
			 2007-08 1,249 831 2,080 95 93 97 96 
			 2008-09 1,403 927 2,330 95 93 98 96 
			 2009-10 1,482 1,037 2,519 95 (2)- 98 (2)- 
			 (1) Where up-to-date follow-up data are available. (2) 12-month graft survival data are not available for 2009-10, as a full 12 months has not yet elapsed.

Kidneys: Transplant Surgery

Duncan Hames: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients requiring a kidney transplant  (a) received a kidney transplant and  (b) died while awaiting a transplant in each of the last three years.

Anne Milton: The following table shows the number of kidney transplants from living and deceased donors carried out in the United Kingdom from 1 April 2007 to 31 March 2010; and the number of patients that died whilst on the active(1 )waiting list for a kidney transplant.
	(1) Active means that when an organ becomes available, the patient is included among those who are matched against the donor to determine whether the organ is suitable. Patients can be temporarily removed (suspended) from the waiting list for reasons ranging from being away on holiday to being too ill to undergo the operation.
	
		
			   Number of kidney only transplants  Deaths - organ waiting list (kidney) 
			   Deceased Donor  Live Donor  Total  
			 2007-08 1,249 831 2,080 308 
			 2008-09 1,403 927 2,330 255 
			 2009-10 1,482 1,037 2,519 286

Long Term Care

Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to conduct the mid-term review of the National Service Framework for long-term neurological conditions.

Paul Burstow: We are currently considering the options for the National Service Framework for long-term neurological conditions, and will report back in due course.

Mental Health Services: Finance

Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment his Department has made of the likely level of future demand for mental health services in London; and how much funding he plans to allocate for that purpose in  (a) 2011-12 and  (b) the next three years.

Paul Burstow: We will be assessing our priorities carefully and will announce details on mental health policy in due course. Our focus will be on making services patient-led, based on the best clinical evidence, responsive to patients' choice and management of their own care, and delivering best 'health' outcomes.

Mental Health Services: Prisons

David Hanson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the capacity of mental health in-reach teams to meet the needs of prisoners with mental health needs serving imprisonment for public protection sentences.

Paul Burstow: The mental health needs of prisoners are met by a combination of primary care staff and mental health in reach teams. No assessment of the capacity of mental health in reach teams working with prisoners serving imprisonment for public protection sentences has been made.

Mental Health: Children

David Blunkett: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment his Department has made of the contribution of local authorities to the delivery of child and adult mental health services provided jointly with the NHS; and if he will make a statement.

Paul Burstow: We will be announcing details on mental health policy in due course. The reforms set out in the White Paper "Equity and Excellence, Liberating the NHS" will improve the national health service for patients of all ages, including children and young people. Our focus will be on making services patient-led, based on the best clinical evidence, responsive to patients' choice and delivering best health outcomes. "Liberating the NHS: Local Democratic Legitimacy in Health" also sets out proposals to improve integration and partnership working across health and social care for children and adults. We do not plan to undertake such assessments.
	Copies of both documents have already been placed in the Library.

Mental Illness: Prisoners

Matthew Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his most recent estimate is of the incidence of mental health illnesses in the prison population in England and Wales.

Paul Burstow: Based on the 1997 Office for National Statistics psychiatric morbidity survey and Ministry of Justice research published in 2008, our estimate is that around 90% of sentenced prisoners have some form of mental health problem. The 1997 survey showed that 7% of sentenced male prisoners and 14% of female prisoners had functional psychosis.

National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  if he will review membership of the Partners Council of the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence;
	(2)  what criteria apply in respect of appointment to the Partners Council of the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence.

Simon Burns: We will keep the operation of the partners council under review, taking account of advice from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) and the views of council members.
	The membership of the council is designed to reflect the range of external partners who work with the Institute in the development of its guidance. It is therefore drawn from patient advocacy groups, health professional groups, the health care industries and other third sector organisations which have an interest in NICE'S work.

National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence: Consultants

Ian Liddell-Grainger: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will bring forward proposals for a mechanism for the peer review of responses by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence to consultee comments.

Simon Burns: Details of the processes for the development of National Institute For Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidance are a matter for the Institute as an independent body, and NICE consults periodically on these processes. NICE most recently updated its process guides-for clinical guidelines in 2008 and for technology appraisals and interventional procedures in 2009. Information on the way NICE develops its guidance is available at:
	www.nice.org.uk/aboutnice/howwework/how_we_work.jsp

NHS

John Pugh: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what consultation he undertook with patients' representatives prior to the publication of the Health White Paper.

Simon Burns: The public voted for change; the manifestos of both parties of the coalition contained clear plans for the national health service. By publishing a strategy in the White Paper, and providing clear leadership and purpose for the NHS, the Government are now able to engage fully with ail external partners on the detail of how best to implement these changes. A number of supporting consultation documents have been published providing further detail and opportunities for engagement.

NHS White Paper: Personnel

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to consult NHS employees in Coventry on the proposals in the NHS White Paper.

Simon Burns: 'Equity and Excellence: Liberating the NHS' set out the Government's strategy for the national health service. A copy has already been placed in the Library. By providing clear leadership and purpose for the NHS the Government are now able to engage fully on the detail of how best to implement these changes. A number of supporting consultation documents have been published providing further detail and opportunity for engagement, entitled: 'Liberating the NHS: Transparency in outcomes: a framework for the NHS', 'Liberating the NHS: Increasing democratic legitimacy in health', 'Liberating the NHS: Commissioning for patients' and 'Liberating the NHS: Regulating healthcare providers'. A review of arms length bodies entitled 'Liberating the NHS: Report of the arms-length bodies review' has also been published. Copies of these documents have already been placed in the Library. They are also available on the Department's website at:
	www.dh.gov.uk/liberatingtheNHS

NHS: Chaplains

Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  whether NHS organisations consult any advisory body on the appointment of NHS chaplains;
	(2)  which Minister in his Department has responsibility for policy on NHS chaplains;
	(3)  how many chaplains of each faith each NHS acute hospital trust employs; and how many such chaplains each trust employs on a full-time basis.

Simon Burns: Information on the number or working patterns of chaplains employed by national health service trusts is not collected centrally. It is for individual trusts to determine their own provision and they are not under a statutory obligation to consult with any advisory body on the appointment of healthcare chaplains. However, many will refer to the occupational standards and codes of conduct published by organisations and professional associations such as the Hospital Chaplaincies Council, the UK Board of Healthcare Chaplaincy and Multi Faith Group for Healthcare Chaplaincy. I have responsibility for healthcare chaplaincy along with other issues relating to the NHS workforce.

NHS: Essex

Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many  (a) managers and  (b) administrative staff each NHS trust in Essex employed in each year since 1997; and what proportion of the total staff of each trust each figure represents.

Anne Milton: Information is not available in the format requested.
	The following tables show national health service staff in East of England strategic health authority area in each specified organisation and each specified staff group as at 30 September each year since 1997.
	
		
			  NHS hospital and community health services: NHS staff in the East of England strategic health authority area in each specified organisation and each specified staff group, as at 30 September each year 
			  Headcount and percentage headcount 
			   1997  1998  1999  2000  2001  2002  2003 
			  East of England strategic health authority area
			 All staff(1) 83,415 84,097 86,365 88,961 95,111 98,978 103,247 
			 Administrative staff as a percentage of all staff (%) 19 19 19 19 20 20 21 
			 All administrative staff 15,877 15,989 16,339 17,239 18,731 19,847 21,486 
			 Senior managers(A) 713 697 794 821 1,094 1,295 1,173 
			 Managers(A) 1,314 1,323 1,363 1,390 1,375 1,597 1,899 
			 Administrative staff (central functions)(B) 5,343 5,164 5,635 6,081 6,203 6,380 7,116 
			 Administrative staff (hotel, property and estates)(C) 650 619 527 533 585 618 694 
			 Administrative staff (ST&T support)(D) 1,145 1,205 1,110 1,116 1,201 1,323 1,586 
			 Administrative staff (clinical support)(E) 6,344 6,565 6,472 6,712 7,599 8,218 8,660 
			 Administrative staff (ambulance support)(F) 368 416 438 586 674 416 358 
			  Of which:
			  Mid Essex hospital services NHS trust
			 All staff(1) 3,554 3,487 3,434 3,505 3,557 3,822 4,293 
			 Administrative staff as a percentage of all staff (%) 16 17 17 17 16 16 16 
			 All administrative staff 557 583 587 586 563 628 690 
			 Senior managers(A) 13 13 10 8 19 25 27 
			 Managers(A) 65 61 59 52 49 52 66 
			 Administrative staff (central functions)(B) 222 257 249 241 146 188 207 
			 Administrative staff (hotel, property and estates)(C) 27 27 29 27 35 29 38 
			 Administrative staff (ST&T support)(D) 31 31 27 32 6 9 10 
			 Administrative staff (clinical support)(E) 199 194 213 226 308 325 342 
			 
			  Mid Essex PCT( 2)
			 All staff(1) n/a n/a n/a n/a 604 651 1,137 
			 Administrative staff as a percentage of all staff (%) n/a n/a n/a n/a 17 22 25 
			 All Administrative staff n/a n/a n/a n/a 102 143 287 
			 Senior managers(A) n/a n/a n/a n/a 3 9 21 
			 Managers(A) n/a n/a n/a n/a 7 18 43 
			 Administrative staff (central functions)(B) n/a n/a n/a n/a 30 51 76 
			 Administrative staff (hotel, property and estates)(C) n/a n/a n/a n/a 1 2 2 
			 Administrative staff (ST&T support)(D) n/a n/a n/a n/a 0 0 7 
			 Administrative staff (clinical support)(E) n/a n/a n/a n/a 61 63 138 
			 
			  North East Essex PCT( 3)
			 All staff(1) n/a n/a n/a n/a 614 816 1,463 
			 Administrative staff as a percentage of all staff (%) n/a n/a n/a n/a 19 32 26 
			 All administrative staff n/a n/a n/a n/a 118 258 378 
			 Senior managers(A) n/a n/a n/a n/a 12 16 17 
			 Managers(A) n/a n/a n/a n/a 13 40 65 
			 Administrative staff (central functions)(B) n/a n/a n/a n/a 46 116 154 
			 Administrative staff (hotel, property and estates)(C) n/a n/a n/a n/a 0 0 0 
			 Administrative staff (ST&T support)(D) n/a n/a n/a n/a 8 9 24 
			 Administrative staff (clinical support)(E) n/a n/a n/a n/a 39 77 118 
		
	
	
		
			  Headcount and percentage headcount 
			   2004  2005  2006  2007  2008  2009 
			  East of England strategic health authority area   
			 All staff(1) 111,593 112,708 109,083 106,732 110,181 117,535 
			 Administrative staff as a percentage of all staff (%) 21 22 21 21 22 23 
			 All administrative staff 23,310 24,382 23,050 22,539 24,228 26,860 
			 Senior managers(A) 1,377 1,398 1,162 1,160 1,224 1,379 
			 Managers(A) 2,232 2,081 1,964 2,015 2,225 2,710 
			 Administrative staff (central functions)(B) 7,875 8,349 7,786 7,857 8,669 9,687 
			 Administrative staff (hotel, property and estates)(C) 635 585 581 535 579 684 
			 Administrative staff (ST&T support)(D) 1,712 1,709 1,625 1,336 1,192 1,261 
			 Administrative staff (clinical support)(E) 9,131 9,882 9,557 9,296 9,961 10,772 
			 Administrative staff (ambulance support)(F) 348 378 375 340 378 367 
			  Of which:   
			  Mid Essex hospital services NHS trust   
			 All staff(1) 4,025 4,140 3,859 3,432 3,502 4,232 
			 Administrative staff as a percentage of all staff (%) 18 19 18 17 19 17 
			 All Administrative staff 724 770 709 585 666 723 
			 Senior managers(A) 34 38 35 31 43 29 
			 Managers(A) 61 67 56 50 57 79 
			 Administrative staff (central functions)(B) 242 275 242 194 174 157 
			 Administrative staff (hotel, property and estates)(C) 35 36 46 40 44 47 
			 Administrative staff (ST&T support)(D) 8 6 7 6 19 16 
			 Administrative staff (clinical support)(E) 344 348 323 264 329 395 
			
			  Mid Essex PCT( 2)   
			 All staff(1) 1,277 1,270 1,254 1,137 1,166 1,314 
			 Administrative staff as a percentage of all staff (%) 25 29 27 27 29 33 
			 All administrative staff 319 365 342 306 340 429 
			 Senior managers(A) 17 18 19 15 23 28 
			 Managers(A) 48 56 51 48 55 74 
			 Administrative staff (central functions)(B) 97 118 108 95 97 131 
			 Administrative staff (hotel, property and estates)(C) 2 3 3 4 4 4 
			 Administrative staff (ST&T support)(D) 3 7 5 3 1 4 
			 Administrative staff (clinical support)(E) 152 163 156 141 160 188 
			
			  North East Essex PCT( 3)   
			 All staff(1) 1,618 1,680 1,610 1,615 1,569 1,617 
			 Administrative staff as a percentage of all staff (%) 28 31 29 27 30 33 
			 All Administrative staff 459 522 459 434 468 536 
			 Senior managers(A) 20 23 23 25 27 28 
			 Managers(A) 101 66 58 47 41 56 
			 Administrative staff (central functions)(B) 151 202 171 170 212 257 
			 Administrative staff (hotel, property and estates)(C) 0 1 1 0 1 1 
			 Administrative staff (ST&T support)(D) 24 22 20 16 20 19 
			 Administrative staff (clinical support)(E) 163 208 186 176 167 175 
			 n/a = not available. (1) All staff includes medical and dental staff, qualified nursing, health visiting and midwifery staff, qualified scientific, therapeutic and technical staff, qualified ambulance staff, support to doctors and nursing staff, support to ST&T staff, support to ambulance staff, administrative staff and hotel, property and estates staff. (2 )Mid Essex PCT was formed in October 2006 from a complete merger of Maldon and South Chelmsford PCT, Chelmsford PCT, Mid Essex PCT and Witham, Braintree and Halstead Care Trust. It is impossible to accurately map work force figures for these predecessor organisations prior to their formation on 2001. (3) North East Essex PCT was formed in October 2006 from a complete merger of Tendring PCT, Colchester PCT, and North East Essex PCT. It is impossible to accurately map work force figures for these predecessor organisations prior to their formation on 2001. (A) Staff with overall responsibility for budgets, manpower or assets, or accountable for a significant area of work. Senior managers include staff at executive level and those who report directly to the board. (B) This group includes areas such as personnel, finance, IT, legal services, library services, health education and general management support services. (C) This group includes clerical and administrative staff working in areas such as laundry, catering, domestic services and gardens. (D) Scientific, therapeutic and technical support staff.  (E) Clinical support includes clerical and administrative staff and maintenance and works staff working specifically in clinical areas, for example medical secretaries and medical records officers. (F) Staff in direct support of patient care, such as ambulance control assistants.  Data Quality: The NHS Information Centre for health and social care seeks to minimise inaccuracies and the effect of missing and invalid data but responsibility for data accuracy lies with the organisations providing the data. Methods are continually being updated to improve data quality where changes impact on figures already published. This is assessed but unless it is significant at national level figures are not changed. Impact at detailed or local level is footnoted in relevant analyses.  Sources: 1. The Information Centre for health and social care Non-Medical Workforce Census. 2. The Information Centre for health and social care Medical and Dental Workforce Census.

NHS: Essex

Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the deficit of each NHS trust in Essex was at the end of each financial year since 1996-97.

Anne Milton: The information requested is shown in the following table. This table shows both surplus and deficit outturn positions; 2002-03 is the earliest year for which information is available.
	
		
			  Surplus/(Deficit) (£000) 
			  NHS Trust  2002-03  2003-04  2004-05  2005-06  2006-07  2007-08  2008-09 
			 Basildon and Thurrock General Hospital NHS Trust(1) 4,765 12 - - - - - 
			 Essex Ambulance Service NHS Trust(2) (58) 22 134 1,878 - - - 
			 Essex Rivers Healthcare NHS Trust(3) 22 (5,843) 293 (1,439) 8,611 2,939 875 
			 Mid Essex Hospital Services NHS Trust 1,062 513 (2,299) (11,202) (2,572) 8,983 7,316 
			 North Essex Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust(4) 5 694 616 2,474 707 510 - 
			 New Possibilities NHS Trust(5) (2,300) - - - - - - 
			 Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (3,714) (495) 156 (5,857) 4,408 4,534 3,222 
			 South Essex Partnership NHS Trust(6) 365 116 217 1,377 107 - - 
			 Southend Hospital NHS Trust(7) 4 57 17 524 2,809 - - 
			 (1) Basildon and Thurrock General Hospital NHS Trust became a Foundation Trust on 1 April 2004. (2) Essex Ambulance Service NHS Trust mergerd with other Ambulance NHS Trusts on 1 April 2006. (3) Essex Rivers Healthcare NHS Trust became a Foundation Trust on 1 May 2008. (4) North Essex Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust became a Foundation Trust on 1 October 2007. (5) New Possibilities NHS Trust merged with other Trusts on 1 April 2003. (6) South Essex Partnership NHS Trust became a Foundation Trust on 1 May 2006. (7) Southend Hospital NHS Trust became a Foundation Trust on 1 June 2006.  Note: Where an NHS Trust obtains Foundation Trust status part-way through any year, the data provided is only for the part of the year the organisation operated as an NHS Trust. The Department does not collect data from NHS Foundation Trusts.  Source: NHS Trust summarisation schedules 2002-03 to 2008-09

NHS: Essex

Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much interest each NHS trust in Essex has paid on servicing its debt in each year since 1997.

Anne Milton: Information on the total amount of interest each national health service trust in Essex has paid on servicing its bank overdrafts, current and long term loans, obligations under finance leases and Private Finance Initiative arrangements, is shown in the following table. 2002-03 is the earliest year for which information is available.
	
		
			  £000 
			  Trust  2002-03  2003-04  2004-05  2005-06  2006-07  2007-08  2008-09 
			 Basildon NS Thurrock General Hospital NHS Trust(1) 0 0 - - - - - 
			 Essex Ambulance Service NHS Trust(2) 0 0 0 0 - - - 
			 Essex Rivers Healthcare NHS Trust(3) 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 
			 Mid Essex Hospital Services NHS Trust 0 0 0 0 31 1,183 543 
			 North Essex Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust(4) 112 152 0 0 0 0 - 
			 New Possibilities NHS Trust(5) 0 - - - - - - 
			 Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust 8 21 0 0 0 719 551 
			 South Essex Partnership NHS Trust(6) 0 0 0 0 0 - - 
			 Southend Hospital NHS Trust(7) 300 298 295 291 48 - - 
			 (1) Basildon and Thurrock General Hospital NHS Trust became a Foundation Trust on 1 April 2004. (2) Essex Ambulance Service NHS Trust merged with other Ambulance NHS Trusts on 1 April 2006. (3) Essex Rivers Healthcare NHS Trust became a Foundation Trust on 1 May 2008. (4) North Essex Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust became a Foundation Trust on 1 October 2007. (5) New Possibilities NHS Trust merged with other Trusts on 1 April 2003. (6) South Essex Partnership NHS Trust became a Foundation Trust on 1 May 2006. (7) Southend Hospital NHS Trust became a Foundation Trust on 1 June 2006.  Notes: 1. Where an NHS Trust obtains Foundation Trust status part-way through any year, the data provided are only for the part of the year the organisation operated as an NHS Trust. The Department does not collect data from NHS Foundation Trusts. 2. 'Debt' can be interpreted in a number of ways in relation to the finances of NHS Trusts. We have interpreted 'debt' to mean the total amount reported by each NHS Trust in their Balance Sheet in respect of bank overdrafts, loans, finance leases and Private Finance Initiative (PFI) arrangements. These are the items most readily identified with the term 'debt' in accounting terminology.  Source: NHS Trust summarisation schedules 2002-03 to 2008-09

NHS: Higher Education

David Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment his Department has made of the implications of the NHS White Paper for higher education institutions; and if he will make a statement.

Anne Milton: A proposed model for the new education and training framework in England, based on the principles in the White Paper, is being developed. This will form the basis for consultation, which is expected to be launched in autumn 2010.
	There will be engagement with key partners, including the high education sector, over the summer to develop the proposed model for the future.

NHS: VAT

Kevin Barron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the amount of value added tax  (a) paid by the NHS in 2009-10 and  (b) to be paid by the NHS in (i) 2010-11 and (ii) 2011-12.

Simon Burns: The information is not held centrally.

Organs: Donors

Robert Buckland: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people in the UK are registered on the National Organ Register; and what steps his Department is taking to increase levels of organ donation.

Anne Milton: At the end of the financial year 2009-10 there were 17.1 million people on the organ donor register.
	The Department has engaged with the national health service, relevant NHS and professional organisations, and the charitable sector to improve United Kingdom organ donor rates. Strong partnerships have been developed with the DVLA, Boots plc, health-related trade unions and general practitioner surgeries to encourage organ donor registration. A Programme Delivery Board, chaired by Mr Chris Rudge, National Clinical Director for Transplantation, was established in 2008 to oversee implementation of the 14 recommendations made by the independent Organ Donation Taskforce. This board has nearly completed its work.
	An increase in donation rates of 11% against the 2007-08 baseline had been achieved at the end of the first year of activity and figures for year ending 2009-10, due to be published shortly, are expected to show 19%.

Pensions

Anne McGuire: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the change in central Government expenditure on the NHS Pension Scheme attributable to use of the consumer prices index for pension indexation in the next five years.

Simon Burns: The Government have not made any separate estimate of the change in central Government expenditure for the NHS Pension Scheme relating to the announcement at Budget that the uprating of the majority of state benefits, state second pension and public service pensions would be moved from retail prices index to consumer prices index, with effect from April 2011.
	The estimated savings in annually managed expenditure for public service pension expenditure in each year of the forecast period are set out in the following table. These savings form part of the overall savings figures for benefits, tax credits and public service pensions published in line 22 of Table 2.1 in Budget 2010. These figures include the locally run Police and Firefighters schemes but do not include savings for the Local Government Pension Scheme.
	
		
			  £million 
			 2011-12 330 
			 2012-13 550 
			 2013-14 880 
			 2014-15 1,290

Self-harm

Madeleine Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  if he will commission research into the reasons for the rate of incidents of self-harm in England compared to other EU countries; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  if he will take steps to ensure co-ordination of Government funding of research into the  (a) causes of suicide,  (b) prevention of suicide and  (c) treatment of people who have attempted suicide unsuccessfully; and if he will make a statement;
	(3)  if he will take steps to ensure co-ordination of Government funding of research into the  (a) causes and  (b) prevention of self-harm; and if he will make a statement;
	(4)  if he will take steps to  (a) raise the level of awareness of and  (b) provide common training for front-line staff in (i) prisons, (ii) hospitals, (iii) schools, (iv) social services, (v) the police and (vi) Jobcentre Plus offices in the (A) prevention and (B) aftermath of incidents of suicide; and if he will make a statement;
	(5)  if he will take steps to  (a) raise the level of awareness of and  (b) provide common training for front-line staff in (i) prisons, (ii) hospitals, (iii) schools, (iv) social services, (v) the police and (vi) Jobcentre Plus offices in the (A) prevention and (B) aftermath of incidents of self-harm; and if he will make a statement;
	(6)  if he will establish at  (a) national,  (b) regional and  (c) local level a mechanism for the (i) flow of information and (ii) evaluation of best practice of services and support available to those who have attempted suicide; and if he will make a statement.

Paul Burstow: The national health service will be backed with increased real resources yet we recognise that there are still efficiencies to be made, however, we intend to make sure front-line services in the NHS as a whole are protected from cuts. Our confirmation of the final £70 million instalment of growth funding from the current spending round for the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies programme is enabling primary care trusts to broaden the geographical coverage of services, meaning more people can get help, and to increase the range of therapies available, giving people more choice and access to the right psychological support.
	We will be assessing our priorities carefully and will announce details on mental health policy, in due course. Our focus will be on making services patient-led, based on the best clinical evidence, responsive to patients' choice and management of their own care, and delivering best 'health' outcomes.
	National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guidance says that clinical and non-clinical staff who have contact with people who self-harm or attempt suicide in any setting should be provided with appropriate training to equip them to understand and care for people who have self-harmed or attempted suicide.
	The National Institute for Health Research is funding a range of research on self-harm and suicide. Further information can be found at
	www.netscc.ac.uk

Self-harm

Madeleine Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  if he will take steps to co-ordinate a risk assessment of the effect on the incidence of self-harm of proposed policies and programmes; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  if he will take steps to co-ordinate a risk assessment of the effect on the incidence of suicide of proposed policies and programmes; and if he will make a statement.

Paul Burstow: The consideration of health impact assessment is a mandatory part of the Government's policy development process.

EDUCATION

Academies

Paul Goggins: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what steps he is taking to ensure that schools which wish to become academies consult  (a) parents,  (b) local authorities,  (c) local businesses and  (d) others in the local area.

Nick Gibb: The governing body, which includes parental, local authority and staff representation, must agree that the school can become an academy before an application is made.
	The Academies Bill has been amended to include a new clause on consultation. The new clause will ensure that the governing body of a maintained school carries out a consultation exercise on whether the school should convert to academy status. Schools will not be able to open as an academy unless a consultation exercise has been carried out.
	The governing body is best placed to decide who it should consult, which could include local businesses and others in the local area. We would expect that parents and the local community are consulted.
	Guidance issued to schools wishing to convert to an academy provides further detailed information on consultation, the guidance is available at
	www.education.gov.uk/academies

Academies

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what services currently provided by local education authorities he plans new academy schools will fund out of their own budget.

Nick Gibb: The principle of academies' funding is that academies should receive the same level of per-pupil funding as they would receive from the local authority as a maintained school. In addition, they receive top-up funding to meet additional responsibilities that are no longer provided for them by the local authority and an addition for an academy's extra VAT costs which they can no longer reclaim through the local authority.
	Local authorities vary considerably in the services that they provide free of charge to schools. The additional amount that academies receive in their grant to cover these services varies accordingly. The Department has recently published funding guidance on its website for all schools considering converting to an academy. The services and costs which academies have to provide for from their grant income, and which may have been provided free of charge or met by their authority, if they were a maintained school, include:
	special educational needs (SEN) support services;
	behaviour support services;
	the education welfare service;
	costs relating to 14-16 practical learning options;
	the costs of school meals and milk;
	the assessment of free school meals eligibility;
	pupils' support (e.g. clothing grants);
	the costs of repairs to, and maintenance of kitchens;
	asset management costs;
	licences and subscriptions (e.g. for computer software);
	certain staff costs (e.g. maternity, long term sickness and trade union duties);
	the costs of certain employment terminations, redundancy and early retirement;
	the costs of a local authority's statutory/regulatory duties;
	school improvement services;
	the costs of monitoring national curriculum assessment;
	museum and library services;
	music services;
	visual and performing arts services;
	outdoor education services.

Academies

David Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education whether local authority scrutiny committees may examine the performance or operations of academy schools

Nick Gibb: We want local authorities to continue to be powerful champions of educational excellence. It is up to local authority scrutiny committees to determine the areas or issues that they wish to examine and for each academy to determine the level of their involvement.

Academies

David Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education whether  (a) schools and  (b) local authorities will be required to consult staff and trade unions before plans to transfer schools to academy status are taken forward.

Nick Gibb: The current employer of school staff (either the local authority or the governing body, depending on the type of school) will need to conduct a TUPE consultation with all staff and the unions as part of the staff transfer process. We have also amended the Academies Bill so that it now requires governing bodies of converting schools to consult with those persons whom they think appropriate before entering into funding arrangements with the Secretary of State.

Academies

David Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education whether new academy schools will take responsibility for legal liabilities and cases from the predecessor schools.

Nick Gibb: Where the predecessor school is an employer of staff, and in relation to its position as an employer, transfer of legal liabilities and responsibilities will be governed by Transfer of Undertaking (Protection of Employment) Regulations.
	In general, the legal liabilities of the predecessor school will not automatically pass to the academy trust, but what will transfer will vary from project to project. This will depend on the nature of the legal liabilities concerned. However, it is open to the predecessor school and/or the local authority to agree with the academy trust the transfer of assets and contracts from the predecessor school/local authority to the academy trust, and as part of this agreement it may be that they would agree that some related legal liabilities would be transferred to the academy trust.

Academies

David Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how much his Department and its agencies spent on the academies programme in the latest period for which figures are available; how many staff are employed by his Department and its agencies on the programme; how much is planned to be spent on the programme in 2010-11; and how many staff will be working on the programme in 2010-11.

Nick Gibb: In financial year 2009-10, the revenue spend on the academies programme was £1,272.09 million. The expected revenue spend in 2010-11 is currently estimated at £1,996.0 million. This excludes any expenditure on schools converting under the Academies Bill, which will depend on the numbers of schools. The capital spend in 2009-10 was £388.6 million through grant paid by the Department for Education and £307.3 million for projects funded through Partnerships for Schools (PfS). In 2010-11 the estimated spend is £301.0 million through departmental grant and £665.0 million for projects funded through PfS.
	The Department is employing 115 staff engaged directly on the academies programme. The Young People's Learning Agency (YPLA) has 47 members of staff working specifically on the academies programme; this is expected to increase to 81 during FY2010-11 through transfers from elsewhere in the Agency. In PfS, 17 members of staff work on the academies programme with no increase expected in 2010.

Academies: Billing

David Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education if he will put in place contingency plans to compensate companies contracted to provide goods or services to academy schools in circumstances in which such schools default on payments under those contracts.

Nick Gibb: Academies are independent schools established by academy trusts, which are charitable companies receiving grant from the Secretary of State for the academy's running costs. It is for potential suppliers to decide whether to enter into contracts with trusts, and in the event of any default, to pursue payment in line with the terms of the contract.

Academies: Conditions of Employment

David Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education whether protection of staffing structures and terms and conditions of employment in new academy schools under the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) (TUPE) Regulations will remain in place beyond the point of transfer.

Nick Gibb: Under the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) (TUPE) Regulations contracts are transferred with their existing terms and the protection is indefinite. The contracts remain in force until they are brought to an end or changed in accordance with normal contractual principles.

Academies: Dudley

Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Education which schools in Dudley have submitted an application for academy status.

Nick Gibb: To date, no schools in Dudley have submitted an application for academy status, although four have expressed an interest.
	The list of primary and secondary schools within England that have expressed an interest in academy status is available at:
	http://www.education.gov.uk/academies/schools-registering-interest

Academies: Ealing

Virendra Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many schools in  (a) Ealing, Southall and  (b) the London Borough of Ealing have expressed an interest in becoming academy schools.

Nick Gibb: We have received one expression of interest in converting to academy status from an outstanding school in the Ealing Southall constituency and a total of eight from schools in the London borough of Ealing, five of which are from outstanding schools.

Academies: Enfield

Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for Education which schools in the London Borough of Enfield have submitted an application for academy status.

Nick Gibb: Two outstanding schools in the London Borough of Enfield have applied to convert to academy status-Cuckoo Hall Primary School and Kingsmead Community School.

Academies: Faith Schools

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what estimate he has made of the likely number of new academies that will apply for faith school status.

Nick Gibb: holding answer 22 July 2010
	A school which does not currently have faith school status cannot apply to adopt faith school status as part of the process of applying to convert to become an Academy. It could apply to be designated as a faith school after conversion to Academy status, providing it met the criteria. We expect that the additional freedoms and flexibilities associated with Academy status will make converting to an Academy a popular option for many schools, including existing faith schools.

Academies: Faith Schools

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many grant-maintained faith schools have registered an interest in becoming academies.

Nick Gibb: holding answer 22 July 2010
	Grant-maintained status is no longer a recognised category of school as the status was abolished by the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. We have, however, received many expressions of interest in converting to Academy status from local authority maintained faith schools.

Academies: Finance

David Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education whether academy schools will continue to have to obtain admitted body status to the Local Government Pension scheme as a condition of their funding.

Nick Gibb: Academies are scheduled bodies under the Local Government Pension scheme and are therefore automatically members. Academy Trusts will continue to be required to ensure that all employees at Academies other than teachers have access to the LGPS. This requirement is included in their funding agreement. A similar requirement applies to teachers in respect of the Teachers' Pension scheme. The ongoing funding of Academy Trusts is contingent upon the conditions in their funding agreements being met.

Academies: Finance

David Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education whether  (a) individual funding agreements and  (b) supplementary funding agreements between him and academy schools will be published on his Department's website.

Nick Gibb: All new funding agreements between the Secretary of State for Education and academy trusts, whether individual or supplementary, will be published in due course on the Department's website.

Academies: Finance

David Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education whether he plans to consult parents, governors and school staff on the contents of the new model funding agreement for academy schools.

Nick Gibb: The new model funding agreement has not been finalised yet. However, we have published a draft on the Department's website and would welcome comments from any interested parties. In addition, we have amended the Academies Bill so that it requires governing bodies of converting schools to consult with those persons whom they think appropriate before entering into funding arrangements with the Secretary of State.

Academies: Finance

David Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education whether he plans to re-negotiate the funding agreements of existing academy schools if the Academies Bill is passed.

Nick Gibb: We intend to discuss with each academy trust whether they wish to adopt the new model funding agreement which is being developed.

Academies: Manpower

David Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what assessment he has made of the effect on the ability of staff transferring to new academy schools in September 2010 to participate in a consultation on that transfer under the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations of the holding of such a consultation during the school summer holidays.

Nick Gibb: Guidance issued to schools recommends that schools have early discussions with their staff and unions when considering conversion to Academy status. Whilst there is no set period in law for the duration of a Transfer of Undertaking (Protection of Employment) (TUPE) Regulations, where the employer is proposing changes before the transfer, the guidance recommends that consultation should be of a suitable length to agree changes with staff. The governing body of a school will be best placed to determine the timing and length of the TUPE consultation. Outstanding schools that have applied for academy status for September 2010 will be aware of their obligations to consult.

Academies: North Tyneside

Alan Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education on what date and in what form his Department received notification that St Thomas More Catholic School in North Tyneside wished to register an interest in becoming an academy school.

Nick Gibb: St Thomas More Roman Catholic High School registered an interest in becoming an academy on 11 June 2010 via the online registration form on the Department for Education website at:
	www.education.gov.uk
	It is important to note that this is a registration of interest for further information and should not be taken to imply that the school has made any decision or commitment to proceed with the process.

Academies: Redundancy

David Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education whether new academies will recognise the service of staff in the period before the school obtained academy status for the purposes of calculating redundancy payments.

Nick Gibb: Staff who transfer to employment by an academy would be entitled to redundancy payments in respect of service prior to conversion. This is in so far as their statutory and contractual rights to redundancy payments are transferred under the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations.

Academies: Sponsorship

David Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what discussions his Department has had with the Charity Commission on proposals to make academy schools exempt charities with no public reporting requirements.

Nick Gibb: The Permanent Secretary and the chief executive of the Charity Commission have discussed proposals to make academies exempt charities and other officials have met or spoken to their Charity Commission counterparts on several occasions.
	It is not the case that there will be no public reporting requirements. Academy trusts will be required to publish their annual accounts, annual report, memorandum and articles of association, funding agreement and a list of the names of the governors of the academy trust.

Academies: Warrington

Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Education which schools in Warrington have expressed an interest in academy status.

Nick Gibb: As of 14 July, five schools in Warrington local authority area have registered their interest in academy status. These schools are:
	Cherry Tree Primary School
	Great Sankey High School
	Lysander Community High School
	Westbrook Old Hall Community Primary School
	Winwick Church of England Primary School.

Academies: West Midlands

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many schools in  (a) the West Midlands and  (b) Coventry South constituency have expressed an interest in becoming academy schools.

Nick Gibb: As of 8 July 2010, 182 schools in the West Midlands have expressed an interest in becoming Academies, of which four are in the Coventry South constituency.

Bedfordshire and Luton Education Business Partnership: Finance

Andrew Selous: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what funding his Department has provided for the Bedfordshire and Luton Education Business Partnership (BLEBP) in each financial year since the partnership was established; for what purposes such funding has been provided; and what assessment he has made of BLEBP's effectiveness in fulfilling such purposes.

Sarah Teather: holding answer 15 July 2010
	 The Department has provided funding via the former Learning and Skills Council, and now via the Young People's Learning Agency, to local authorities to commission and fund education business partnership services (EBPs). The Department does not provide funding direct to EBPs for this purpose. The funding is to help in the effective delivery of statutory work-related learning at Key Stage 4, specifically to provide, among other things, work placements for young people and recruiting employers for this activity, and carrying out other services for schools, for example, risk assessments and Criminal Records Bureau checks.
	Information on the funding made available to the Bedfordshire and Luton Education Business Partnership (BLEBP) in each financial year is not available centrally. BLEBP is currently registered for the Award for Education Business Excellence, the nationally recognised quality standard, but has yet to be formally assessed and accredited.

Building Schools for the Future Programme

Clive Efford: To ask the Secretary of State for Education 
	(1)  pursuant to the oral statement of 7 July 2010,  Official Report, columns 484-85, on schools funding, for what reason the location of Broadoak School was given as Eltham constituency in the list provided to the House; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  pursuant to the oral statement of 5 July 2010,  Official Report, columns 47-50, on education funding, what estimate he has made of the contribution of the reduction in funding to the Building Schools for the Future Programme to the reduction of the Government's structural deficit; and if he will make a statement;
	(3)  what estimate he has made of the funding required for essential repairs to school buildings in locations where Building Schools for the Future programmes will not proceed; what contingency funding has been allocated for such repairs; and if he will make a statement;
	(4)  what criteria he applied to determine the Building Schools for the Future projects which were not to proceed; what account he took of  (a) formal commitments made and  (b) time spent by school authorities and pupils in preparing bids under the programme in making his determinations; and if he will make a statement.

Nick Gibb: On 5 July, the Department announced that Building Schools for the Future (BSF) projects that have reached financial close will continue, together with repeat projects which have outline business case (OBC) approval prior to 1 January 2010. Sample schemes in projects that have reached close of dialogue are under further consideration. All projects that have not reached close of dialogue will stop with immediate effect.
	Broadoak school was incorrectly placed in the constituency of Eltham in the previously published list of projects. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education has already apologised unreservedly for the errors and has taken full responsibility for them.
	The value of the schemes that have been stopped is £7.5 billion. My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer made clear in his Budget statement that we would honour the overall public capital investment plans put in place by the previous Government. However, we are clear that the whole way in which we build schools needs radical reform.
	We have therefore commissioned, in the context of the Government's fiscal consolidation plans and emerging policy, a comprehensive independent review of the Department's existing capital expenditure which will make recommendations on the future delivery models for capital investment. The review team will report at the end of the year. Its interim report will guide future spending decisions over the next spending review period. It will also look at how best to meet parental demand; make current design and procurement cost-effective and efficient; and consider how capital is allocated and targeted.

Building Schools for the Future Programme

Valerie Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Education if he will ensure that Joseph Leckie School in Walsall South constituency continues to participate in the Building Schools for the Future programme; and if he will make a statement.

Nick Gibb: The Department has announced that BSF projects that have reached Financial Close will continue, together with repeat projects which have Outline Business Case approval prior to 1 January 2010. Sample schemes in projects that have reached Close of Dialogue are under further consideration. All projects that have not reached Close of Dialogue will stop with immediate effect. BSF plans for Joseph Leckie School have been stopped.

Building Schools for the Future Programme

Valerie Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Education when he plans to inform Joseph Leckie School in Walsall South constituency of the decision on funding to be allocated to the school under the Building Schools for the Future programme; and if he will make a statement.

Nick Gibb: The Department has announced that BSF projects that have reached Financial Close will continue, together with repeat projects which have Outline Business Case approval prior to 1 January 2010. Sample schemes in projects that have reached Close of Dialogue are under further consideration. All projects that have not reached Close of Dialogue will stop with immediate effect. BSF plans for Joseph Leckie School have been stopped.

Building Schools for the Future Programme

Mary Macleod: To ask the Secretary of State for Education if he will issue guidance to schools which bid for funding under the Building Schools for the Future scheme on the ending of that scheme.

Nick Gibb: There are no plans for the Department to issue guidance to schools which bid for funding under the Building Schools for the Future scheme on the ending of that scheme for schools that have not reached a particular stage of the programme.

Building Schools for the Future Programme

Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many schools whose Building Schools for the Future scheme projects were classified as unaffected are already under construction.

Nick Gibb: Approximately one third of unaffected schools have reached financial close for construction work and are not yet open. In normal circumstances, a building contractor begins work on site within a fortnight of financial close. In some cases, the building contractor commences work on site at risk prior to financial close.
	BSF projects that have reached financial close will continue, together with repeat projects which have OBC approval prior to January 2010. Sample schemes in projects that have reached close of dialogue are under further consideration. All projects that have not reached close of dialogue will stop with immediate effect. The implications for projects in Sunderland local authority are as follows:
	
		
			   Status 
			 Red House Academy Open 
			 Academy 360 Open 
			 Castle View Enterprise Academy Open 
			 Oxclose Community School Open 
			 Sandhill View Open 
			 Washington Open 
			 Biddick Open 
			 St Robert of Newminster RC School Unaffected 
			 Barbara Priestman Stopped 
			 Castlegreen Community School Stopped 
			 Farringdon Community Sports College Stopped 
			 Hetton Stopped 
			 Houghton Kepier Sports College Stopped 
			 Monkwearmouth Stopped 
			 Portland Specialist School Stopped 
			 Sunderland Pupil Referral Unit Stopped 
			 Southmoor Community School Stopped 
			 Springwell Dene Stopped 
			 St Anthony's Catholic Girls' School Stopped 
			 St Aidan's Catholic School Stopped 
			 Thornhill-Sunderland Stopped 
			 Venerable Bede CE (Aided) Secondary School Stopped 
		
	
	The effects of ending the BSF programme on the construction industry were considered by the Secretary of State in coming to his decision.

Building Schools for the Future Programme

Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for Education 
	(1)  if he will ensure that projects already announced under the Primary School Capital programme continue as planned;
	(2)  whether he plans to announce further projects under the Primary School Capital programme.

Nick Gibb: holding answer 15 July 2010
	Funding allocations to support local delivery of the Primary Capital programme have already been confirmed for the current financial year. Decisions about the specific projects that will benefit from this funding are matters for the relevant authority.
	In the context of the Government's fiscal consolidation plans and emerging policy, we have commissioned a comprehensive independent review of all of the Department's existing capital expenditure to inform decisions about future delivery models for capital investment. This will include future investment in primary schools. The review team will report at the end of the year. Its report will guide future spending decisions over the next Spending Review period (2011-12 to 2014-15). It will also look at how best to meet parental demand; provide new primary places in areas of population growth; and secure the best possible value for money in terms of design and procurement.

Building Schools for the Future Programme

Louise Ellman: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what criteria will be adopted by the capital review team in assessing projects; and what consultations that team will undertake.

Nick Gibb: holding answer 15 July 2010
	The terms of reference for the review of capital programmes, announced by the Secretary of State on 5 July, can be found on the Department for Education's website:
	http://www.education.gov.uk
	Partnerships for Schools will lead on the review of sample projects, also announced on 5 July by the Secretary of State. Criteria for the review, including any plans for consultation, will be released shortly.

Building Schools for the Future Programme

David Mowat: To ask the Secretary of State for Education on what date his Department received notification of the intention of  (a) Penketh High School and  (b) Sir Thomas Botelar School to apply to join the Building Schools for the Future programme.

Nick Gibb: Partnerships for Schools (PfS) is the body with responsibility for managing applications from local authorities for entry to the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme.
	Warrington local authority submitted an Expression of Interest to join BSF in November 2008. The Expression of Interest listed Penketh high school and Sir Thomas Botelar school as projects that the local authority proposed for capital investment. The local authority submitted a Readiness to Deliver application to join BSF in May 2009 and Penketh high school and Sir Thomas Botelar school were included in the projects proposed for capital investment. The local authority was not invited to join the BSF programme following that application.
	In September 2009 the local authority submitted a second Readiness to Deliver application and again highlighted Penketh High and Thomas Boletar Schools for BSF programme in November 2009.

Building Schools for the Future Programme

Chuka Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Education 
	(1)  what criteria he plans to use to make his decision on Building Schools for the Future funding for proposed developments at sample schools;
	(2)  what mechanisms he plans to use in making his decision on Building Schools for the Future funding for proposed developments at sample schools;
	(3)  when he expects to announce his decision on Building Schools for the Future funding for proposed developments at sample schools.

Nick Gibb: holding answer 15 July 2010
	The Secretary of State has announced his intention to determine as soon as possible which sample projects should proceed (with or without modification). His decisions will be based upon advice from officials, which in turn will be based upon discussions between Partnerships for Schools and the local authorities and schools concerned. The Secretary of State will take a range of factors into account in making his decisions.

Building Schools for the Future Programme

Edward Balls: To ask the Secretary of State for Education pursuant to the oral statement of 5 July 2010,  Official Report, columns 47-57, on education funding, what advice he received on whether to hold a consultation before publishing the list of Building Schools for the Future projects to be cancelled.

Nick Gibb: holding answer 22 July 2010
	The Secretary of State took into account advice and information from a range of sources in coming to his decision on the Building Schools for the Future programme. As was the case with the previous Government, information relating to internal discussion and advice is not normally disclosed.

Building Schools for the Future Programme

Edward Balls: To ask the Secretary of State for Education when Partnership for Schools was informed of his decision to end projects under the Building Schools for the Future programme.

Nick Gibb: holding answer 22 July 2010
	The Secretary of State worked closely with Partnerships for Schools in coming to his decision on the Building Schools for the Future programme. As was the case with the previous Government, information relating to internal discussion and advice is not normally disclosed.

Building Schools for the Future Programme: Cumbria

Tony Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what assessment he has made of the effect on schools in West Cumbria of his decision to discontinue the Building Schools for the Future programme.

Nick Gibb: On 5 July, the Department announced that BSF projects that have reached financial close will continue, together with repeat projects which have outline business case approval prior to 1 January 2010. Sample schemes in projects that have reached close of dialogue are under further consideration. All projects that have not reached close of dialogue will stop with immediate effect. This will impact on the plans for Cumbria BSF projects as follows:
	
		
			  Projects  
			 Richard Rose Central Academy Unaffected 
			 Richard Rose Morton Academy Unaffected 
			 The Furness Academy Unaffected 
			 West Lakes Academy Unaffected 
			 Mayfield Special Stopped 
			 Millom Stopped 
			 Netherall Stopped 
			 New Workington Stopped 
			 West Cumbria LC PRU Stopped 
			 Whitehaven Stopped

Building Schools for the Future Programme: Darlington

Jenny Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for Education when he plans to inform Branksome, Hurworth and Longfield schools in Darlington of the decision on the funding to be allocated to them under the Building Schools for the Future programme; and if he will make a statement.

Nick Gibb: The Department has announced that Building Schools for the Future projects that have reached financial close will continue, together with repeat projects which have outline business case approval prior to 1 January 2010. Sample schemes in projects that have reached close of dialogue are under further consideration. All projects that have not reached close of dialogue will stop with immediate effect. Plans for Branksome, Hurworth and Longfield schools in Darlington to receive BSF funding have been stopped.

Building Schools for the Future Programme: Ealing

Virendra Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State for Education 
	(1)  what estimate he has made of the reduction in public expenditure which will take place in Ealing, Southall constituency as a result of his decisions on the Building Schools for the Future programme;
	(2)  what estimate he has made of the likely effect on the number of jobs in the construction industry of his decisions on the Building Schools for the Future programme.

Nick Gibb: The Secretary of State considered wide-ranging advice from officials on the impact of his decision on the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme. This advice did not cover the specific detail of the impact on public expenditure or the number of jobs in the construction industry in Ealing Southall.
	We have not made an estimate of the likely impact of the Secretary of State's decision on BSF on the construction industry. This decision is not the end of capital investment in schools. The Secretary of State announced on 5 July a review of all capital expenditure by the Department for Education. This review will conclude by the end of 2010. Its outcome will help to determine the way in which future capital money will be used by the Department.

Building Schools for the Future Programme: Greater London

Chuka Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what plans he has for the Building Schools for the Future project at (a) Bishop Thomas Grant School,  (b) Dunraven School and  (c) La Retraite School in Streatham constituency.

Nick Gibb: The Department has announced that Building Schools for the Future projects that have reached financial close will continue, together with repeat projects which have outline business case approval prior to 1 January 2010. Sample schemes in projects that have reached close of dialogue are under further consideration. All projects that have not reached close of dialogue will stop with immediate effect. Dunraven school is a sample school and is therefore under further consideration while BSF plans for La Retraite school and Bishop Thomas Grant RC have been stopped.

Building Schools for the Future Programme: Greater London

Glenda Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education 
	(1)  what information his Department holds on the costs incurred by the London Borough of  (a) Brent and  (b) Camden in preparing schools in their areas for the Building Schools for the Future programme;
	(2)  what information his Department holds on the costs incurred by  (a) Hampstead,  (b) Jack Taylor,  (c) Queen's Park Community and  (d) Royal Free Hospital Children's school on preparations for the Building Schools for the Future programme.

Nick Gibb: Costs incurred by individual local authorities and schools in preparing for Building Schools for the Future are not held centrally. Costs vary for local authorities depending on how they have chosen to manage their BSF projects and the stage they have reached.

Building Schools for the Future Programme: Leeds

George Mudie: To ask the Secretary of State for Education 
	(1)  what plans he has for the Building Schools for the Future programme in Leeds; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  if he will take steps to encourage the continued participation of Parklands Girls School in Leeds in the Building Schools for the Future programme.

Nick Gibb: The Department has announced that Building Schools for the Future projects that have reached Financial Close will continue, together with repeat projects which have Outline Business Case approval prior to 1 January 2010. Sample schemes in projects that have reached Close of Dialogue are under further consideration. All projects that have not reached Close of Dialogue will stop with immediate effect. The Leeds BSF programme, including Parklands Girls High, is unaffected.

Building Schools for the Future Programme: Liverpool

Louise Ellman: To ask the Secretary of State for Education 
	(1)  what assessment he has made of the effects of the cancellation of Building Schools for the Future projects in Liverpool on employment and the economy in the area;
	(2)  what discussions he has held with Liverpool City Council on the recent cancellation of Building Schools for the Future projects in Liverpool.

Nick Gibb: holding answer 19 July 2010
	The Secretary of State considered wide-ranging advice from officials on the impact of his decision on the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme.
	The Secretary of State for Education has had no discussions with Liverpool city council on the recent cancellation of Building Schools for the Future in Liverpool.
	A Westminster Hall debate on BSF in Liverpool was held on 30 June 2010.

Building Schools for the Future Programme: Stockton-on-Tees

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what plans he has for the Building Schools for the Future sample schools  (a) Ian Ramsey and  (b) Bishopsgarth in the borough of Stockton-on-Tees.

Nick Gibb: On 5 July, the Secretary of State announced that projects within the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme that have reached financial close will continue, together with follow-up projects for which the outline business cases were approved before 1 January 2010. We are considering further projects prioritised locally as sample projects that have reached the stage where dialogue with bidders is closed. All projects that have not reached close of dialogue have been stopped.
	Ian Ramsey and Bishopsgarth schools in Stockton-on-Tees are not amongst the sample schemes and therefore will not continue as part of the BSF programme.

Building Schools for the Future Programme: Sunderland

Julie Elliott: To ask the Secretary of State for Education 
	(1)  what assessment he has made of the effects of his decision to terminate the Building Schools for the Future programme on the number of construction jobs in Sunderland Central constituency;
	(2)  if he will take steps to ensure that each school in Sunderland Central constituency which has had a Building Schools for the Future project terminated before completion participates in the new school building programme;
	(3)  what estimate he has made of the amount which will be saved by stopping the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme for all schools in Sunderland Central constituency; what estimate he has made of expenditure on payments triggered by break clauses as a consequence of his decision; and if he will take steps to compensate schools in the constituency for money and time they have spent on the BSF programme prior to its cancellation.

Nick Gibb: On 5 July, the Department announced that BSF projects that have reached financial close will continue, together with repeat project which have outline business case approval prior to 1 January 2010. Sample schemes in projects that have reached close of dialogue are under further consideration. All projects that have not reached close of dialogue will stop with immediate effect. The following projects in Sunderland Central have stopped:
	Barbara Priestman
	Monkwearmouth
	Sunderland pupil referral unit
	Southmoor community school
	St Anthony's Catholic girls' school
	St Aidan's Catholic school
	Thornhill-Sunderland
	Venerable Bede CE (aided) secondary school.
	The Department has launched a comprehensive review of all of its capital programmes to ensure that future capital investment represents good value and strongly supports the Government's ambitions to reduce the deficit. The cancellation of BSF does not represent the end of capital investment in schools. The review will make recommendations to help shape the design of future capital investment in schools.
	It is estimated that circa £84 million will be saved by stopping the Building Schools for the Future programme in Sunderland Central constituency. No contracts have been signed for the second wave of the BSF programme for Sunderland metropolitan borough council, and therefore no break clauses will be triggered. There are no plans to compensate schools for money and time spent on the BSF programme.

Building Schools for the Future Programme: Sunderland

Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education 
	(1)  what the planned expenditure on the Building Schools for the Future programme in  (a) Houghton and Sunderland South constituency and  (b) Sunderland would have been for (i) mainstream provision and (ii) special needs and other non-mainstream provision in each of the next three years had the programme not been discontinued;
	(2)  what assessment he has made of the effects on schools in Houghton and Sunderland South constituency of his decision to discontinue the Building Schools for the Future programme;
	(3)  what estimate he has made of the effects of ending the Building Schools for the Future programme on the number of construction jobs in  (a) Sunderland and  (b) Houghton and Sunderland South constituency.

Nick Gibb: Sunderland had two Building Schools for the Future (BSF) projects, the first of which was Wave 1 and this project has received the funding available to it. The second project, in BSF Wave 7, was in the early stages of planning and while an indicative overall funding envelope of £127 million had been determined, the local authority had not submitted its Outline Business Case setting out each school's investment and delivery strategy. For this reason, information in the form requested is not held centrally.

Building Schools for the Future Programme: Telford

David Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Education which schools in Telford and the Wrekin are part of his Department's review of the Building Schools for the Future Programme.

Nick Gibb: The Department has announced that BSF projects that have reached Financial Close will continue, together with repeat projects which have Outline Business Case approval prior to 1 January 2010. Sample schemes in projects that have reached Close of Dialogue are under further consideration. All projects that have not reached Close of Dialogue will stop with immediate effect. All schools in Telford and the Wrekin will be unaffected by the Department's review of the BSF programme. BSF investment in the following schools will continue as planned:
	 Unaffected schools
	Abraham Darby Academy
	Madeley Academy (extension)
	Thomas Telford CTC
	Adams' Grammar School
	Blessed Robert Johnson Catholic College
	The Burton Borough School
	Charlton School
	Ercall Wood Technology College
	Hadley Learning Community-Secondary Phase
	The Lord Silkin School
	Mount Gilbert Special School
	Newport Girls High School
	The Phoenix School
	Southall Special School
	Sutherland Business and Enterprise College School
	The Bridge Special School
	Wrockwardine Wood School.

Building Schools for the Future Programme: Wandsworth

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Education 
	(1)  which schools in Wandsworth have  (a) received and  (b) made use of funding from the Building Schools for the Future programme;
	(2)  what the planned dates of  (a) financial close and  (b) project completion were for each Building Schools for the Future project in the London borough of Wandsworth;
	(3)  when Wandsworth borough council was first invited to bid for Government funding for school capital programmes under the Building Schools for the Future programme;
	(4)  to which wave of the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme Wandsworth borough council was allocated when initially granted BSF funding; and when it was initially expected each school would reach financial close on its projects.

Nick Gibb: No schools in the London borough of Wandsworth have received funding from the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme. The London borough of Wandsworth was invited to join Wave 5 of the programme and responded with their readiness to deliver application in October 2006. They officially joined the programme with their remit meeting in September 2007.
	The following table sets out the schools that Wandsworth proposed for capital investment, their expected date of financial close and estimated opening date.
	
		
			  School  Sample/Non sample  Estimated school financial close  Estimated school opening date 
			 Burntwood Sample November 2010 January 2013 
			 Southfields Sample November 2010 January 2013 
			 Elliott Non sample December 2011 September 2013 
			 Saint John Bosco Non sample June 2011 September 2013 
			 Battersea Park Non sample February 2013 September 2014 
			 Bradstow Non sample March 2015 April 2016 
			 Chestnut Grove Non sample February 2013 May 2014 
			 Ernest Bevin Non sample November 2013 September 2015 
			 Francis Barber Non sample May 2014 February 2015 
			 Garratt Park Non sample March 2015 September 2015 
			 Graveney Non sample July 2013 September 2016 
			 Linden Lodge Non sample July 2013 October 2013 
			 Nightingale Non sample July 2015 May 2016 
			 Oak Lodge Non sample February 2013 April 2015 
			 Paddock Non sample July 2013 October 2013 
			 St Cecila's Non sample May 2014 May 2015

Building Schools for the Future Programme: Warrington

Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Education 
	(1)  whether his Department had discussions with Warrington borough council before his announcement on the Building Schools for the Future programme;
	(2)  what assessment has been made of the effects his decision on the Building Schools for the Future programme will have on levels of educational inequality in Warrington;
	(3)  what estimate he has made of the effect on the number of construction jobs in Warrington of his announcement on the Building Schools for the Future programme;
	(4)  what representations he has received from Warrington borough council on his decisions not to proceed with plans under the Building Schools for the Future programme in Warrington North constituency;
	(5)  what discussions he has had with  (a) the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government and  (b) Warrington borough council on the relationship between plans to rebuild William Beaumont high school and the development of the Orford Park project in Warrington North;
	(6)  what estimate he has made of the effect of the decision on the Building Schools for the Future programme on the number of  (a) jobs and  (b) apprenticeships in Warrington.

Nick Gibb: The Secretary of State has not had any recent discussions with or representations from Warrington borough council about Building Schools for the Future (BSF). Nor has the Secretary of State discussed with the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government the relationship between plans to re-build William Beamont high school and the development of the Orford Park project, although departmental officials have been in discussion with Warrington borough council about the impact of the BSF announcement on projects in their area. No assessment has been made of the effects of his decisions on BSF on levels of educational inequality specifically in Warrington.
	On 5 July the Secretary of State announced a review of the Department's capital programmes. The review will make recommendations to help shape decisions over future capital investment in schools, to ensure that investment represents good value for money and strongly supports the Government's ambitions to reduce the deficit, raise standards and tackle disadvantage.
	The effects of ending the BSF programme on the construction industry were considered by the Secretary of State in coming to his decision. The cancellation of BSF does not represent the end of capital investment in schools or the opportunities for employment in the construction industry. In particular, a more flexible and streamlined approach is likely to make it easier for small and medium-sized enterprises to become involved.

Children: Protection

Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what recent assessment he has made of the role of children and learners directorates in Government Offices for the Regions in safeguarding children; and what assessment he has made of the effect on safeguarding children of the cessation of such offices.

Tim Loughton: holding answer 26 July 2010
	The coalition agreement announced the decision to close the Government Office for London and to review the position of the other eight Government Offices. On 22 July, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government announced the Government's intention in principle to abolish the remaining eight Government offices, subject to using the spending review to resolve consequential issues. A final decision will be made at the end of the spending review in the autumn. In the light of that announcement the six DFE-funded GO-based field forces will also come to an end earlier than planned. The six field forces to end early are: Safeguarding advisers; Children and Learners Strategic advisers; Child Poverty advisers; Teenage pregnancy co-ordinators; Sustainable schools network; and, Healthy schools co-ordinators (jointly funded with DH).
	Closing the GO network is in line with the Government's intention to remove administrative layers and simplify accountability across national and local government and service providers, and to reduce public expenditure. This also supports the Government's commitment to empower local authorities by removing top down monitoring, support and challenge. This approach aims to free up local authorities so they can focus on their own improvement agendas.
	Local authorities themselves have called for greater freedom to plan and manage their own improvement and to be innovative in how they deliver high quality services for children and young people. We are keen to work with the sector in developing its own, sector-led, models for improvement-for example through the Centre for Excellence and Outcomes which shares good practice round the system and uses specialists seconded from the sector that councils can draw on as and when they want.
	The Government are determined to make child protection as effective as can be, with a focus on better frontline services. We will not do anything that will jeopardise or compromise child safety. We are seeking to put responsibility back to frontline services to ensure they have the right level of local scrutiny and accountability to drive up quality and provide the kind of children's services the public want.

Children: South Yorkshire

Angela Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Education if he will take steps to ensure that introduction of the proposed pupil premium does not lead to a reduction in funding for disadvantaged children in South Yorkshire.

Nick Gibb: The Government are committed to the introduction of the pupil premium for disadvantaged children. The pupil premium will lead to an increase in funding for disadvantaged children as it will be funded from savings found outside the schools budget. The Secretary of State for Education announced a consultation on the implementation of the pupil premium in a written ministerial statement on 26 July 2010.

Communications Skills

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Education whether his Department plans to hold, together with the Department of Health, events to mark a National Year of Speech, Language and Communication in 2011-12.

Sarah Teather: Funding for activities in 2011-12 is being considered as part of the Government's spending review. Further details of the spending review can be found at:
	http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/spend_index.htm

Departmental Official Cars

William Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Education which Ministers in his Department have used an allocated Ministerial car to travel between the Department and the House of Commons on each day since 21 May 2010.

Tim Loughton: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on the use of official cars by Ministers on Tuesday 22 June 2010,  Official Report, column 202W.
	The Department does not record the details of individual journeys made by ministerial cars.
	All travel is undertaken in accordance with the ministerial code.

Departmental Security

Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how much  (a) his Department and its predecessors and  (b) its non-departmental public bodies spent on security in each year since 1997.

Tim Loughton: The information requested is a follows:
	 (a) The information requested is not separately identified within the Department's published resource accounts. The requested information could be obtained through a detailed analysis of contracts with suppliers but this could be achieved only at disproportionate cost.
	 (b) The Department does not obtain information at that level of detail from each of our non-departmental public bodies; this could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Departmental Travel

Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Education which  (a) Ministers and  (b) officials in his Department have been driven by the Government Car Service since the Government took office; and how much each of these persons has received in expenses for use of taxis, buses and underground trains in that period.

Tim Loughton: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for West Bromwich East (Mr Watson) on 22 June 2010,  Official Report, column 202W.
	In addition, the Government publish on a quarterly basis, the expenses incurred by the most senior officials which includes use of the Government car service and other travel expenses.

Education Maintenance Allowance

John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what assessment he has made of the effect on the number of  (a) notices of entitlement issued and  (b) payments made from the education maintenance allowance of the proposed reduction in its administration budget.

Nick Gibb: holding answer 22 July 2010
	 Students will notice no impact as a result of savings made to the education maintenance allowance administration budget. Savings have been made as a result of the development of more efficient processing systems. Notices of entitlement and payments in 2010-11 will continue to be issued to current service standards.

Free School Meals

Edward Balls: To ask the Secretary of State for Education if he will estimate the number of pupils in each local authority who would have received a free school meal had the 2009 Pre-Budget Report proposal on extending the eligibility criteria been implemented.

Nick Gibb: holding answer 22 July 2010
	Information is shown in the following table, by local authority and Government Office region, for the estimated number of pupils who would have been entitled to free school meals had the proposal to extend provision been implemented.
	
		
			  Number of Children estimated that would have become eligible for FSM in September 2010 and in total by September 2011 
			  Local Authority  Estimates based on revised totals (thousand) 
			   September 2010  September 2011 
			  England 420.0 930. 
			  North East 22.0 48.8 
			 Darlington 1.0 2.2 
			 Durham 4.3 9.5 
			 Gateshead 1.6 3.5 
			 Hartlepool 0.9 2.0 
			 Middlesbrough 1.5 3.4 
			 Newcastle upon Tyne 2.1 4.7 
			 North Tyneside 1.6 3.6 
			 Northumberland 2.3 5.1 
			 Redcar and Cleveland 1.2 2.7 
			 South Tyneside 1.2 2.7 
			 Stockton-on-Tees 1.7 3.8 
			 Sunderland 2.5 5.5 
			
			  North West 64.7 143. 
			 Blackburn with Darwen 2.6 5.7 
			 Blackpool 1.6 3.5 
			 Bolton 3.4 7.5 
			 Bury 2.0 4.3 
			 Cheshire East 2.1 4.6 
			 Cheshire West and Chester 2.2 4.8 
			 Cumbria 3.6 7.9 
			 Halton 1.1 2.4 
			 Knowsley 1.6 3.6 
			 Lancashire 10.7 23.7 
			 Liverpool 4.1 9.0 
			 Manchester 5.7 12.7 
			 Oldham 3.3 7.3 
			 Rochdale 2.6 5.7 
			 Salford 2.4 5.2 
			 Sefton 2.1 4.7 
			 St. Helens 1.3 2.9 
			 Stockport 2.0 4.5 
			 Tameside 2.3 5.1 
			 Trafford 1.7 3.7 
			 Warrington 1.3 2.9 
			 Wigan 2.8 6.1 
			 Wirral 2.4 5.4 
			
			  Yorks and Humber 52.7 116.6 
			 Barnsley 2.1 4.7 
			 Bradford 9.7 21.5 
			 Calderdale 2.2 5.0 
			 Doncaster 3.0 6.7 
			 East Riding of Yorkshire 2.3 5.1 
			 Kingston Upon Hull, City of 2.6 5.7 
			 Kirklees 5.3 11.7 
			 Leeds 6.5 14.5 
			 North East Lincolnshire 1.3 2.9 
			 North Lincolnshire 1.4 3.1 
			 North Yorkshire 4.1 9.1 
			 Rotherham 2.8 6.1 
			 Sheffield 5.1 11.3 
			 Wakefield 3.1 6.8 
			 York 1.1 2.5 
			
			  East Midlands 37.1 82.1 
			 Derby 3.3 7.3 
			 Derbyshire 5.4 12.0 
			 Leicester 4.2 9.4 
			 Leicestershire 4.3 9.6 
			 Lincolnshire 5.6 12.3 
			 Northamptonshire 5.5 12.2 
			 Nottingham 3.1 6.9 
			 Nottinghamshire 5.5 12.2 
			 Rutland 0.2 0.4 
			
			  West Midlands 51.3 113.; 
			 Birmingham 14.8 32.7 
			 Coventry 3.1 6.9 
			 Dudley 2.4 5.4 
			 Herefordshire 1.3 2.8 
			 Sandwell 3.9 8.7 
			 Shropshire 1.9 4.3 
			 Solihull 1.3 2.9 
			 Staffordshire 5.5 12.2 
			 Stoke-on-Trent 2.9 6.4 
			 Telford and Wrekin 1.5 3.3 
			 Walsall 2.9 6.5 
			 Warwickshire 3.2 7.2 
			 Wolverhampton 2.4 5.3 
			 Worcestershire 4.0 8.9 
			
			  East of England 38.5 85.3 
			 Bedford 1.3 2.8 
			 Central Bedfordshire 1.3 2.9 
			 Cambridgeshire 3.1 6.8 
			 Essex 7.8 17.3 
			 Hertfordshire 6.1 13.6 
			 Luton 3.0 6.6 
			 Norfolk 6.0 13.2 
			 Peterborough 2.6 5.9 
			 Southend-on-Sea 1.3 2.9 
			 Suffolk 4.8 10.6 
			 Thurrock 1.2 2.7 
			
			  London 67.3 148.9 
			
			  Inner London 28.4 62.8 
			 Camden 1.4 3.0 
			 City of London 0.0 0.1 
			 Hackney 3.0 6.6 
			 Hammersmith and Fulham 0.8 1.7 
			 Haringey 3.2 7.0 
			 Islington 1.2 2.7 
			 Kensington and Chelsea 0.5 1.2 
			 Lambeth 2.3 5.1 
			 Lewisham 2.2 4.9 
			 Newham 5.1 11.4 
			 Southwark 2.5 5.6 
			 Tower Hamlets 3.5 7.7 
			 Wandsworth 1.7 3.7 
			 Westminster 1.0 2.2 
			
			  Outer London 38.9 86.1 
			 Barking and Dagenham 2.3 5.1 
			 Barnet 2.4 5.2 
			 Bexley 1.5 3.3 
			 Brent 3.4 7.5 
			 Bromley 1.4 3.2 
			 Croydon 2.9 6.4 
			 Ealing 2.6 5.7 
			 Enfield 3.8 8.4 
			 Greenwich 1.9 4.3 
			 Harrow 1.7 3.7 
			 Havering 1.3 2.9 
			 Hillingdon 1.9 4.2 
			 Hounslow 2.1 4.7 
			 Kingston upon Thames 0.9 2.0 
			 Merton 1.5 3.3 
			 Redbridge 3.0 6.6 
			 Richmond upon Thames 0.6 1.2 
			 Sutton 1.1 2.4 
			 Waltham Forest 2.8 6.2 
			
			  South East 50.4 111.: 
			 Bracknell Forest 0.6 1.3 
			 Brighton and Hove 1.6 3.5 
			 Buckinghamshire 2.9 6.5 
			 East Sussex 3.6 8.1 
			 Hampshire 6.6 14.7 
			 Isle of Wight 1.0 2.2 
			 Kent 9.9 22.0 
			 Medway 2.1 4.7 
			 Milton Keynes 2.0 4.5 
			 Oxfordshire 3.2 7.0 
			 Portsmouth 1.6 3.5 
			 Reading 1.0 2.2 
			 Slough 1.7 3.7 
			 Southampton 1.6 3.6 
			 Surrey 4.5 9.9 
			 West Berkshire 0.6 1.2 
			 West Sussex 4.6 10.1 
			 Windsor and Maidenhead 0.6 1.3 
			 Wokingham 0.6 1.2 
			
			  South West 36.1 79.8 
			 Bath and North East Somerset 0.8 1.9 
			 Bournemouth 1.0 2.2 
			 Bristol, City of 2.8 6.1 
			 Cornwall 4.4 9.7 
			 Devon 5.6 12.3 
			 Dorset 2.6 5.7 
			 Gloucestershire 3.6 7.9 
			 Isles of Scilly 0.0 0.0 
			 North Somerset 1.3 2.9 
			 Plymouth 2.2 4.8 
			 Poole 1.0 2.1 
			 Somerset 3.7 8.2 
			 South Gloucestershire 1.6 3.6 
			 Swindon 1.6 3.6 
			 Torbay 1.1 2.5 
			 Wiltshire 2.8 6.2 
			  Note: Uses HMRC's December 2009 Publication Dataset Assumes extension to low income working families Figures may not sum due to rounding

Free School Meals: Enfield

Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what recent assessment he has made of the educational achievement of pupils in receipt of free school meals in schools in the Enfield local authority area.

Nick Gibb: Information is published on an annual basis on the performance of all pupils including breakdowns for those eligible for free school meals and these can be accessed on the Department's website. We have made a clear commitment to narrowing attainment gaps between children from disadvantaged backgrounds and their peers through our recently announced pupil premium.
	The latest publications containing information on the achievement of pupils eligible for free school meals at local authority level are available at:
	http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s000911/index.shtml
	(Table 6): Early Years Foundation Stage Profile attainment published on 28 January 2010.
	http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s000899/index.shtml
	(Table 5): Key Stage 1 attainment published on 8 December 2009.
	http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s000889/index.shtml
	(Table 5): Key Stage 2 attainment published on 19 November 2009.
	http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s000900/index.shtml
	(Table 5): GCSE attainment published on 15 December 2009.

Free School Meals: North East

Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what estimate he has made of the number of pupils resident in  (a) the North East and  (b) Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland constituency who would have been entitled to free school meals had the proposal to extend provision been implemented.

Nick Gibb: Information is shown in the following table, by local authority and Government Office region, for the estimated number of pupils who would have been entitled to free school meals had the proposal to extend provision been implemented. The Department does not hold information about eligibility for free school meals by constituency.
	
		
			  Number of children estimated that would have become eligible for FSM in September 2010 and in total by September 2011 
			  Thousand 
			   Estimates based on revised totals 
			  Local authority  September 2010  September 2011 
			
			 England 420.0 930.0 
			
			  North East 22.0 48.8 
			 Darlington 1.0 2.2 
			 Durham 4.3 9.5 
			 Gateshead 1.6 3.5 
			 Hartlepool 0.9 2.0 
			 Middlesbrough 1.5 3.4 
			 Newcastle upon Tyne 2.1 4.7 
			 North Tyneside 1.6 3.6 
			 Northumberland 2.3 5.1 
			 Redcar and Cleveland 1.2 2.7 
			 South Tyneside 1.2 2.7 
			 Stockton-on-Tees 1.7 3.8 
			 Sunderland 2.5 5.5 
			
			  North West 64.7 143.3 
			 Blackburn with Darwen 2.6 5.7 
			 Blackpool 1.6 3.5 
			 Bolton 3.4 7.5 
			 Bury 2.0 4.3 
			 Cheshire East 2.1 4.6 
			 Cheshire West and Chester 2.2 4.8 
			 Cumbria 3.6 7.9 
			 Halton 1.1 2.4 
			 Knowsley 1.6 3.6 
			 Lancashire 10.7 23.7 
			 Liverpool 4.1 9.0 
			 Manchester 5.7 12.7 
			 Oldham 3.3 7.3 
			 Rochdale 2.6 5.7 
			 Salford 2.4 5.2 
			 Sefton 2.1 4.7 
			 St Helens 1.3 2.9 
			 Stockport 2.0 4.5 
			 Tameside 2.3 5.1 
			 Trafford 1.7 3.7 
			 Warrington 1.3 2.9 
			 Wigan 2.8 6.1 
			 Wirral 2.4 5.4 
			
			  Yorks and Humber 52.7 116.6 
			 Barnsley 2.1 4.7 
			 Bradford 9.7 21.5 
			 Calderdale 2.2 5.0 
			 Doncaster 3.0 6.7 
			 East Riding of Yorkshire 2.3 5.1 
			 Kingston Upon Hull, City of 2.6 5.7 
			 Kirklees 5.3 11.7 
			 Leeds 6.5 14.5 
			 North East Lincolnshire 1.3 2.9 
			 North Lincolnshire 1.4 3.1 
			 North Yorkshire 4.1 9.1 
			 Rotherham 2.8 6.1 
			 Sheffield 5.1 11.3 
			 Wakefield 3.1 6.8 
			 York 1.1 2.5 
			
			  East Midlands 37.1 82.1 
			 Derby 3.3 7.3 
			 Derbyshire 5.4 12.0 
			 Leicester 4.2 9.4 
			 Leicestershire 4.3 9.6 
			 Lincolnshire 5.6 12.3 
			 Northamptonshire 5.5 12.2 
			 Nottingham 3.1 6.9 
			 Nottinghamshire 5.5 12.2 
			 Rutland 0.2 0.4 
			
			  West Midlands 51.3 113.5 
			 Birmingham 14.8 32.7 
			 Coventry 3.1 6.9 
			 Dudley 2.4 5.4 
			 Herefordshire 1.3 2.8 
			 Sandwell 3.9 8.7 
			 Shropshire 1.9 4.3 
			 Solihull 1.3 2.9 
			 Staffordshire 5.5 12.2 
			 Stoke-on-Trent 2.9 6.4 
			 Telford and Wrekin 1.5 3.3 
			 Walsall 2.9 6.5 
			 Warwickshire 3.2 7.2 
			 Wolverhampton 2.4 5.3 
			 Worcestershire 4.0 8.9 
			
			  East of England 38.5 85.3 
			 Bedford 1.3 2.8 
			 Central Bedfordshire 1.3 2.9 
			 Cambridgeshire 3.1 6.8 
			 Essex 7.8 17.3 
			 Hertfordshire 6.1 13.6 
			 Luton 3.0 6.6 
			 Norfolk 6.0 13.2 
			 Peterborough 2.6 5.9 
			 Southend-on-Sea 1.3 2.9 
			 Suffolk 4.8 10.6 
			 Thurrock 1.2 2.7 
			
			 London 67.3 148.9 
			
			  Inner London 28.4 62.8 
			 Camden 1.4 3.0 
			 City of London 0.0 0.1 
			 Hackney 3.0 6.6 
			 Hammersmith and Fulham 0.8 1.7 
			 Haringey 3.2 7.0 
			 Islington 1.2 2.7 
			 Kensington and Chelsea 0.5 1.2 
			 Lambeth 2.3 5.1 
			 Lewisham 2.2 4.9 
			 Newham 5.1 11.4 
			 Southwark 2.5 5.6 
			 Tower Hamlets 3.5 7.7 
			 Wandsworth 1.7 3.7 
			 Westminster 1.0 2.2 
			
			  Outer London 38.9 86.1 
			 Barking and Dagenham 2.3 5.1 
			 Barnet 2.4 5.2 
			 Bexley 1.5 3.3 
			 Brent 3.4 7.5 
			 Bromley 1.4 3.2 
			 Croydon 2.9 6.4 
			 Ealing 2.6 5.7 
			 Enfield 3.8 8.4 
			 Greenwich 1.9 4.3 
			 Harrow 1.7 3.7 
			 Havering 1.3 2.9 
			 Hillingdon 1.9 4.2 
			 Hounslow 2.1 4.7 
			 Kingston upon Thames 0.9 2.0 
			 Merton 1.5 3.3 
			 Redbridge 3.0 6.6 
			 Richmond upon Thames 0.6 1.2 
			 Sutton 1.1 2.4 
			 Waltham Forest 2.8 6.2 
			
			  South East 50.4 111.5 
			 Bracknell Forest 0.6 1.3 
			 Brighton and Hove 1.6 3.5 
			 Buckinghamshire 2.9 6.5 
			 East Sussex 3.6 8.1 
			 Hampshire 6.6 14.7 
			 Isle of Wight 1.0 2.2 
			 Kent 9.9 22.0 
			 Medway 2.1 4.7 
			 Milton Keynes 2.0 4.5 
			 Oxfordshire 3.2 7.0 
			 Portsmouth 1.6 3.5 
			 Reading 1.0 2.2 
			 Slough 1.7 3.7 
			 Southampton 1.6 3.6 
			 Surrey 4.5 9.9 
			 West Berkshire 0.6 1.2 
			 West Sussex 4.6 10.1 
			 Windsor and Maidenhead 0.6 1.3 
			 Wokingham 0.6 1.2 
			
			  South West 36.1 79.8 
			 Bath and North East Somerset 0.8 1.9 
			 Bournemouth 1.0 2.2 
			 Bristol, City of 2.8 6.1 
			 Cornwall 4.4 9.7 
			 Devon 5.6 12.3 
			 Dorset 2.6 5.7 
			 Gloucestershire 3.6 7.9 
			 Isles of Scilly 0.0 0.0 
			 North Somerset 1.3 2.9 
			 Plymouth 2.2 4.8 
			 Poole 1.0 2.1 
			 Somerset 3.7 8.2 
			 South Gloucestershire 1.6 3.6 
			 Swindon 1.6 3.6 
			 Torbay 1.1 2.5 
			 Wiltshire 2.8 6.2 
			  Notes: 1. Uses HMRC's December 2009 Publication Dataset. 2. Assumes extension to low income working families. 3. Figures may not sum due to rounding.

Free Schools: Greater London

Matthew Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many expressions of interest in free school status have been received from schools in London.

Nick Gibb: The Department has received two Free School proposal forms from schools in Greater London.

GCE A-levels: Disadvantaged

Chris Skidmore: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many pupils eligible for free school meals obtained  (a) three,  (b) four and  (c) five A grades at A level in each of the last 10 years.

Nick Gibb: The information available is given in the following table.
	
		
			  Number of year 13 candidates( 1)  eligible for free school meals( 2)  achieving A grades at A-level( 3) 
			   3 or more A grades  4 or more A grades( 4)  5 or more A grades( 4) 
			 2006 377 97 4 
			 2007 433 113 20 
			 2008 432 97 17 
			 2009 509 118 19 
			 (1) Candidates aged 16-18 at the end of advanced level study in all schools and colleges. (2) Year 13 candidates that were eligible for free school meals when in year 11. Free school meal eligibility in year 11 is only available for those candidates who were in maintained schools at the end of key stage 4. (3 )GCE and Applied A-levels and Double Awards are included. (4) Candidates achieving 5 or more A grades are also included in the "4 or more A grades" and "3 or more A grades" columns. Similarly, candidates achieving 4 or more A grades are also included in the figures for "3 or more A grades".  Source: National Pupil Database. 
		
	
	Figures linking A-level achievements to year 11 free school meal eligibility are not readily available prior to 2006. Figures for earlier years can be provided only at disproportionate cost.

GCSE: Disadvantaged

Chris Skidmore: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many  (a) boys and  (b) girls eligible for free school meals gained a grade C or above at GCSE in (i) modern languages, (ii) history, (iii) science and (iv) mathematics in each of the last 10 years.

Nick Gibb: The requested information is provided in the following table for years from 2003. Figures prior to 2003 are not available because attainment data were only matched to pupil characteristics from 2003 onwards.
	
		
			  The number of pupils achieving A* -  C at GCSE or equivalent in the following subjects 
			 Modern Foreign Languages( 1)  History  Science( 2)  Mathematics 
			 2003 FSM Boys 3,235 2,319 - 23,107 
			   Girls 6,379 2,997 - 24,207 
			  Non-FSM Boys 67,159 46,338  108,610 
			   Girls 105,280 52,060 - 102,562 
			
			 2004 FSM Boys 3,456 2,507 - 23,622 
			   Girls 6,608 3,126 - 24,735 
			  Non-FSM Boys 69,027 50,093  108,757 
			   Girls 106,609 55,083 - 103,477 
			
			 2005 FSM Boys 3,191 2,512 - 22,512 
			   Girls 6,183 3,179 - 23,547 
			  Non-FSM Boys 66,875 50,736  103,523 
			   Girls 102,369 55,836 - 97,779 
			
			 2006 FSM Boys 4,049 2,532 - 10,510 
			   Girls 6,910 3,213 - 10,647 
			  Non- Boys 64,373 52,841 - 142,149 
			  FSM Girls 97,221 56,462 - 143,350 
			
			 2007 FSM Boys 3,864 2,527 - 11,074 
			   Girls 6,484 3,161 - 11,397 
			  Non-FSM Boys 61,523 52,770  149,880 
			   Girls 91,770 55,967 - 149,997 
			
			 2008 FSM Boys 3,800 2,410 10,192 12,067 
			   Girls 6,254 3,107 10,727 11,953 
			  Non-FSM Boys 61,565 53,262 139,161 156,214 
			   Girls 91,149 57,484 139,046 154,658 
			
			 2009 FSM Boys 3,999 2,522 12,236 13,252 
			   Girls 6,376 3,349 13,047 12,808 
			  Non-FSM Boys 62,488 52,812 142,613 158,646 
			   Girls 91,033 56,295 144,646 153,835 
			 (1) Modern Foreign Language (MFL) includes 21 separate modern languages that are available on the National Pupil Database (NPD) from 2006. For the years 2003 to 2005, MFL includes just French, German and Spanish. (2) Science includes pupils who have achieved grades A*-C in at least two science GCSEs (or equivalent). Specifically, this includes core and additional science or two of the three separate science GCSEs of physics, chemistry and biology. This science indicator was only matched on to the NPD from 2008.

Grandparents: Parental Responsibility

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education if he will bring forward proposals to enhance the role of grandparents and extended kin in caring for children; and if he will make a statement.

Tim Loughton: holding answer 12 July 2010
	Grandparents and other relatives play an important role in many families' lives-helping out with child care, providing emotional and financial support, being there when times are hard-for their children and their grandchildren. Sometimes that can include taking on full time care of their grandchildren.
	Children who cannot live with their parents benefit from being brought up by their wider family. Relatives should receive the support they need to do this. The Government will be carefully considering the responses to the consultation on new statutory guidance for local authorities on support for family and friends carers, which ended on 18 June 2010.
	The Government are also committed to reform of the family justice system, as set out in the Coalition Agreement. The review is under way and will examine the system as a whole. I have asked the chair of the review panel to look specifically at the issue of how best to support contact between children and grandparents and he has agreed to address this in the final report, expected in 2011.

Personal, Social, Health And Economic Education

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Education pursuant to the answer of 12 July 2010,  Official Report, column 570W, on personal, social, health and economic education, what the  (a) prefix and  (b) title is of each file held by his Department on personal, social and health education; and if he will make a statement.

Nick Gibb: PSHE embraces a large number of topics including sex education, drugs and alcohol, financial capability, health and safety and work-related learning. The Department has files on all of these as well as on general PSHE policy.

Primary Education: Capital Investment

Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what plans he has for the Primary Capital Programme; and if he will make a statement.

Nick Gibb: Funding allocations to support local delivery of the Primary Capital Programme have already been confirmed for the current financial year.
	In the context of the Government's fiscal consolidation plans and emerging policy, we have commissioned a comprehensive independent review of all of the Department's existing capital expenditure to inform decisions about future delivery models for capital investment. This will include future investment in primary schools. The review team will report at the end of the year. Its report will guide future spending decisions over the next spending review period (2011-12 to 2014-15). It will also look at how best to meet parental demand; provide new primary places in areas of population growth; and secure the best possible value for money in terms of design and procurement.

Public Expenditure

Yvette Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Education whether equality impact assessments will be used in determining the areas of his Department's budget in respect of which spending will be reduced.

Tim Loughton: holding answer 14 July 2010
	We are considering the equality implications of potential spending decisions and equality impact assessments will be carried out as necessary.

Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency

David Mowat: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what timetable he has set for the abolition of the Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency; what plans he has for the transfer of its functions; and if he will make a statement.

Nick Gibb: We intend to introduce legislation to abolish the QCDA, and in the meantime Department Officials are working closely with the QCDA on the orderly winding down of its functions.
	We are committed to ensuring that national curriculum tests continue to be delivered effectively, and therefore currently envisage that these functions would be needed after closure.
	Where QCDA is presently engaged in activity that supports the administration of examinations (such as Diploma Awarding) we would wish to retain such functions until these activities are no longer required or can be transferred. Our view is that Government or its agencies should in principle not be involved in this kind of work in the future, which is properly the domain of awarding bodies.

School Leaving

Louise Ellman: To ask the Secretary of State for Education whether he plans to bring forward proposals to raise the participation age in education and training to 17 years by 2013 and 18 years by 2015.

Nick Gibb: holding answer 26 July 2010
	We have no plans to introduce the increase in the participation age to 17 years any earlier than 2013, or to introduce the increase to 18 years earlier than 2015. We set out in "The Coalition-our programme for government" our plans for education policy over the coming months and years, making clear our aspiration to maximise opportunities for all young people. We are currently developing plans for specific policy areas to ensure we achieve this.

Schools: Capital Investment

Edward Balls: To ask the Secretary of State for Education whether schools capital allocations are made to local authorities which are not part of the Building Schools for the Future scheme.

Nick Gibb: holding answer 14 July 2010
	Schools capital allocations are made to all local authorities whether they are, or are not, in the Building Schools for the Future programme. These include devolved allocations at local authority and school level, targeted allocations, and the strategic primary school programme.

Schools: Cricket

John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of support for cricket in state schools.

Nick Gibb: holding answer 26 July 2010
	 The annual PE and Sport survey collects data from maintained schools in England relating to schools' provision for PE and sport. Over the period in question, the percentage of schools providing cricket for their pupils increased from 85% in 2003/04 to 89% in 2008/09. This makes cricket the fifth most popular sport provided by schools, behind only football, dance, athletics and gymnastics.

Schools: Cricket

John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what recent assessment he has made of trends in participation in cricket as part of  (a) PE activity and  (b) school sport in state schools in the period from 2003 to 2010.

Nick Gibb: holding answer 26 July 2010
	The annual PE and Sport survey collects data from maintained schools in England relating to schools' provision for PE and sport. Over the period in question, the percentage of schools providing cricket for their pupils increased from 85% in 2003/04 to 89% in 2008/09.

Schools: Dudley

Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Education 
	(1)  what plans he has to refurbish primary and secondary schools in Dudley North constituency;
	(2)  what recent representations he has received on the Building Schools for the Future programme from  (a) Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council,  (b) bodies and charities in Dudley borough and  (c) residents of Dudley.

Nick Gibb: The Secretary of State has not received any recent representations from Dudley metropolitan borough council, bodies and charities in the borough and residents of Dudley.
	On 5 July the Secretary of State for Education announced a review of the Department's capital programmes including investment in primary and secondary schools. The review will make recommendations to help shape the decision of future capital investment in schools, to ensure that investment represents good value for money and strongly supports the Government's ambitions to reduce the deficit, raise standards and tackle disadvantage. The cancellation of Building Schools for the Future does not represent the end of capital investment in schools.

Schools: ICT

Jenny Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for Education if he will provide assistance to schools affected by the reduction in the Harnessing Technology Grant to enable them to maintain their ICT commitments.

Nick Gibb: As part of a range of savings, the Harnessing Technology Grant is to be reduced by 50% in the current financial year. ICT infrastructure is now well-embedded in schools. Local authorities have been notified of the changes and they are best placed to manage the reduction, in consultation with their Schools Forum, to support a sustainable funding model based on local circumstances.

Schools: Management

Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many expressions of interest there have been in the free schools scheme in the  (a) Bristol,  (b) South Gloucestershire and  (c) Bath and North East Somerset local authority areas.

Nick Gibb: The Department has received one proposal from the Bristol local authority area from Parents' Voice in North-West Bristol seeking to establish an all-age school. At this stage no proposals have been received from the South Gloucestershire, or the Bath and North East Somerset local authority areas.

Science: GCSE

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Education if he will take steps to ensure that all schools offer the possibility for students to study three separate science subjects at GCSE level.

Nick Gibb: The Government believes it important that all pupils have the opportunity to study the three separate sciences. We are currently considering what more needs to be done in addition to what is already in place to enable all pupils to have access to these GCSEs, including, for instance, looking at incentives to encourage more top science graduates into teaching.

Sixth Form Education: Finance

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what his policy is on provision of funding for  (a) sixth form colleges,  (b) secondary schools with sixth forms and  (c) other post-16 providers; and if he will make a statement.

Nick Gibb: The total investment in 16-18 learning in 2010-11 will be £8.2 billion, which will fund around 1.6 million places. As announced at the end of May, the spending on 16-18 core participation funding for 2010-11 will be maintained and protected from any in-year spending cuts. At present, funding is provided to all three types of provider through the 16-18 national funding formulae. The learner responsive model (for schools and colleges) is managed by the Young People's Learning Agency (YPLA) as one of its key roles. The Department also funds 16-18 Apprenticeships where funding is calculated through the employer responsive model (for work based learning) managed by the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS), as part of the Skills Funding Agency.
	The levels of funding from 2011-12 will be determined as part of the spending review this autumn, and considerations surrounding the current funding methodology and formula will continue to form a part of that process. We have already taken steps to reduce bureaucracy in 16-18 education and simplify the 16-18 funding process by ensuring that funding follows the choices of young people. From the academic year 2011-12, core allocation budgets for school sixth forms and colleges will be based on the equivalent of lagged pupil numbers. We will also ensure that local authorities can focus on their strategic role as champions of young people, taking action where they identify significant issues in terms of gaps in supply or quality, particularly in ensuring access among the most vulnerable groups.

Sixth Form Education: Public Expenditure

Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Education whether capital expenditure by sixth form colleges will be included within the remit of his recently announced review to advise on capital expenditure.

Nick Gibb: The Secretary of State announced that capital expenditure by sixth form colleges will be included in the recently announced review.

Sure Start Programme, Finance

David Blunkett: To ask the Secretary of State for Education whether he plans to ring-fence funding for continued provision of local Sure Start programmes.

Sarah Teather: holding answer 8 July 2010
	 Sure Start Local Programmes were the first stage in the delivery of the Sure Start Children's Centre service. They provided services for fewer than half of the under fives living in the 20% most deprived wards in England. The Government decided from 2003 to move toward a national programme of Sure Start Children's Centres offering a universal, mainstream service for children under five and their families.
	Funding for Sure Start Children's Centres is part of the Sure Start, Early Years and Childcare Grant, which is ring-fenced. Funding for former Sure Start Local Programmes was ring-fenced, within this grant, for the original centres in the most deprived areas. On 24 May, the Chancellor announced that revenue funding for Sure Start, including former Sure Start Local Programmes, will be protected from in-year cuts in 2010-11: and both ring fences maintained this year. Questions about future funding and the existence of any ring fences in future years will be dependent on the outcome of the spending review. Local authorities have a statutory duty to ensure sufficient provision of children's centres to meet local need - and it is important, in the current financial climate, that we make sure we are getting the most out of every pound spent.

Temporary Employment

John Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many temporary staff are employed by  (a) his Department and  (b) the education service.

Tim Loughton: As at 30 June 2010 (latest information available), there were 13 temporary staff employed directly by the Department, and therefore on its payroll. The Department also has a call-off contract with two employment agencies, and on the same date, there was 16 agency staff working in the Department.
	Information for the Department's non departmental public bodies is a matter for them and is not held centrally and can be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
	The Department has no agencies.

Young People: Information

Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what assessment he has made of the effect of recent changes to local authority funding on the Secretary of State's responsibility to ensure the provision of statutory information, advice, guidance and support to young people in England.

Nick Gibb: The Government announced the local government contribution to cross-government savings on 10 June 2010. These savings include £311 million in the Department for Education's Area Based Grant (ABG) to local authorities in 2010/11. This reduction does not imply a direct cut to services funded by ABG, which include the provision of statutory information, advice and guidance to young people. The overall impact on total local government expenditure will be a 3.6% reduction, and we expect local authorities to manage this reduction across all their services, whether the initial funding source is formula or area-based. I am not expecting cuts to fall disproportionately on IAG services over others-these are critical services for young people. The Government believe that local authorities do have scope to make efficiencies this year.